Now, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo venturing into smaller leagues as they near the end of their brilliant careers, 2024 may finally be the year for the next in line in football royalty.
Mounir Nasraoui was stabbed late on Wednesday at a parking lot in the northeastern Spanish town of Mataro.
Mondo Duplantis was named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, while American gymnast Simone Biles bagged the top women's honour at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, did not receive a nomination for the first time in 20 years.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
The Indian men's football team on Thursday achieved sub-100 FIFA ranking for the first time since 2018 as it moved up one spot to 99th after its SAFF Championship triumph.
French football was again marred by violence after Olympique de Marseille's Ligue 1 match against Olympique Lyonnais was called off on Sunday when the visitors' bus and some fans were pelted with stones and beer bottles, injuring Lyon coach Fabio Grosso.
France's hopes of a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign were thwarted by a hardworking Jamaican side in a 0-0 draw in the opening Group F clash at Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday.
Both managers have struggled in the Champions League this season, with PSG on seven points and 25th in the standings, one place outside the knockout phase playoff zone, while City are one point ahead in 22nd.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core group of players who have played together for a long time.
French football superstar Kylian Kylian Mbappe celebrated France's passage into the qurterfinals at Euro 2024 by indulging a young fan with a hug and a selfie.
Captain Wendie Renard's header seven minutes from time earned France a dramatic 2-1 win over Brazil.
France striker Kylian Mbappe went off nursing a shoulder injury as they beat Uruguay 1-0 with an Olivier Giroud penalty in a rematch of their World Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.
France striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an injury in training.
A round-up of Tuesday's action in the Premier League.
France forward Kylian Mbappe has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and will miss this week's Nations League international against Croatia.
New France captain Kylian Mbappe lived up to expectations with two goals in a 4-0 statement home win against the Netherlands.
A summary of Wednesday's Champions League first leg quarter-finals between Barcelona and Dortmund and Real Madrid, and Paris St Germain and Aston Villa.
France's probable starting line-up for World Cup final
A round-up of Saturday's action in LaLiga, Serie A and Ligue 1.
After weeks of heated discussions following France's World Cup fiasco, new national team coach Laurent Blanc said on Monday it was time to switch back to soccer.
Target man Giroud is level with Thierry Henry on 51 goals after scoring twice in their 4-1 win against Australia on Tuesday.
The Ballon d'Or will not be awarded this year for the first time in its 64-year history after the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the football calendar, organisers France Football magazine said on Monday. The prestigious award, voted for by journalists, is an annual prize given to the best male footballer in the world since 1956. The women's Ballon d'Or was first awarded in 2018.
France are looking to beat the Socceroos just like they did to kick off their 2018 journey in Russia.
Nita Ambani, IOC member and Reliance Foundation Chairperson, celebrated cricket's return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Under the new system, half the votes would belong to the players and coaches of the world's 211 national teams and half to the public, who will take part via an online ballot, and selected media representatives.
Jude Bellingham topped the men's overall voting, with the Real Madrid and England midfielder receiving 11,176 selections from his peers.
Real Madrid's Intercontinental Cup triumph marked a remarkable milestone for Carlo Ancelotti on Wednesday as the Italian became the manager with the most titles in the club's history with a total of 15 trophies.
England spent little time celebrating Sunday's 3-0 World Cup win over Senegal before turning their thoughts to an intimidating quarter-final next Saturday against reigning champions France.
'He is strong, he feels strong, he is a leader for the defence; we will need him (to stay performing) at that level.'
French football president apologises for 'awkward remarks' on Zidane after backlash
Morocco change the mood for African football with exploits in Qatar
Several France players have caught colds, the French Football Federation (FFF) said, as they prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina, with Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate the latest to fall ill on Friday.
France captain Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose late on in his side's 1-0 victory Euro 2024 victory over Austria on Monday.
'All professional players have been affected by these illegal rules (in force since 2001!) and can therefore now seek compensation for their losses.'
Images from the opening day's action in the Olympics women's football tournament in Paris on Thursday.
Lewandowski strike gives Barcelona 1-0 win over Alaves
France and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has become the latest player to speak out against the packed fixture schedule, saying on Tuesday that he supports his fellow players' right to strike over the issue.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scored from his second attempt from the penalty spot against France.
'I have no regrets, I wouldn't change a thing.'
