Latest news with #L'Équipe
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
‘You Have My Word': The Moment Achraf Hakimi Chose Morocco
Former Morocco technical director Nasser Larguet has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how Achraf Hakimi opted to represent Morocco over Spain. Speaking to French newspaper L'Équipe , Larguet explained how he travelled to Madrid to meet the then-teenage Hakimi, his father and his Spanish agents in a hotel. 'I told him: 'If you choose Spain, you'll still be Moroccan. We'll always support you. But if you choose Morocco, we'll be proud to have you,'' said Larguet. He gave Hakimi half an hour to decide. 'I said I needed to speak with another player. When I came back, he said: 'It's Morocco.'' Larguet added: 'I told him: 'if you shake my hand, it means more than any contract'. He said: 'You have my word, I'll give everything.' I warned him there were no guarantees, but if he worked hard, he'd play for the senior team. And the rest is history.' Hakimi, now 26, has gone on to become one of Morocco's most influential players. Since making his senior debut in 2016 at the age of 17, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back has earned 83 caps and scored 10 goals for his country. He featured in two World Cups – starting every match in Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 – and has appeared at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, scoring from two direct free-kicks in the 2021 edition. Hakimi also netted a memorable Panenka penalty in the shootout win over Spain at the 2022 World Cup, knocking out his country of birth. Tags: Achraf HakimiafconMorocco
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ajax interested in Marseille's Jeffrey de Lange
According to a report from L'Équipe, Ajax are interested in bringing Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper Jeffrey de Lange (27) back to the Netherlands this summer. However, the Dutch giants have not yet submitted an official offer. It was clear before the start of the season that De Lange would struggle for gametime in La Provence, especially after Gerónimo Rulli's transfer from Ajax was confirmed. De Lange has only made two appearances in a Marseille shirt, both of which came in the Coupe de France. Advertisement Despite this, the second-choice goalkeeper is thought to be valued by Marseille, who appreciate both his competitiveness and his standing in the dressing room. The French outlet notes that he is considered to be close friends with Mason Greenwood. For De Lange, a transfer to Ajax would be a reunion of sorts. The goalkeeper had previously played in their academy system but never made a professional appearance, as he instead moved to FC Twente, where he would make his competitive debut. GFFN | Nick Hartland
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lille president confirms Bruno Genesio's position
Lille OSC fans can rest easy knowing their popular manager will return next season. Club president Olivier Létang confirmed that Bruno Genesio would remain in his post, telling L'Équipe, 'Bruno is under contract. We're very happy. He will be our coach next season.' Lille ended the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign fifth in the table, one place below where they wound up finishing in the previous campaign but claiming one more point this time around. Even though he's under contract with Les Dogues until 2026, it wasn't a certainty that he'd return for the 2025-26 season. Advertisement Génésio helped them reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but his side missed a chance at the quarter-finals. They squandered an early one-goal advantage in the second leg against Borussia Dortmund in a 2-1 defeat, losing that tie 3-2 on aggregate. Their top goal scorer, Jonathan David (25), along with Angel Gomes (24), Samuel Umtiti (31), and Rémy Cabella (35), will be among those leaving in the summer. While they will be in the UEFA Europa League next season, Lille finished outside a Champions League qualification place on goal difference to OGC Nice. The 58-year-old replaced Paulo Fonseca as Lille's manager in June 2024 signing a two-year contract. Prior to his appointment, he'd been out of coaching for over six months after being sacked by Stade Rennais in November 2023. GFFN | Joel Lefevre
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan runner Elhousine Elazzaoui makes history with victory at Zegama-Aizkorri race
On Sunday, Moroccan runner Elhousine Elazzaoui claimed a stunning victory in the legendary Zegama-Aizkorri race in the Basque Country, delivering an incredible performance in the final kilometers. Clocking a time of 3 hours and 43 minutes, he succeeds the iconic Kilian Jornet, whom he had closely followed in last year's edition. Starting as the favorite, Elazzaoui lived up to expectations. On the grueling 42 km course with a 2,700 m elevation gain, he launched a decisive attack just after the 30th kilometer—about 12 km from the finish—according to L'Équipe. From that point on, there was no stopping him. Elhousine Elazzaoui ?? wins the @ZegamaAizkorri (3:43:28) The Moroccan runner from the Nnormal team becomes the first African to triumph at Zegama — Ultres Catalunya (@ultrescatalunya) May 25, 2025 The race took place under sunny skies and a light breeze—near-perfect conditions for a course often battered by bad weather. Elazzaoui built a commanding lead, finishing seven minutes ahead of Spain's Andreu Blanes Reig, while Italy's Daniel Pattis rounded out the podium. «I'm so happy—because I finished second here twice, behind Kilian Jornet. This time, I got it right!» he said over the phone, speaking between the doping control and the podium ceremony. «There was a bit of pressure, because Kilian wasn't here, so everyone expected me to win. But the atmosphere was incredible—people were shouting my name, and that really lifted me». At 33 years old, 1.66 meters tall, and weighing 59 kg, Elazzaoui has become a force to be reckoned with in shorter trail formats (21 to 42 km) with significant elevation. His deep knowledge of the Basque course proved crucial: «I attacked at the 30th kilometer. I was confident. My experience helped me break my record here and secure the win». The reigning champion of the 2024 Golden Trail World Series—one of the most prestigious circuits in international trail running—Elazzaoui is enjoying a remarkable season. He now plans a recovery period before heading to the United States for the Broken Arrow Skyrace on June 19, followed by the Tepec Trail in Mexico the following week.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Leverkusen considering move for Stade Rennes striker
Bayer Leverkusen have taken initial steps to sign Stade Rennais' Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to L'Équipe However, no official offer has been made yet by Die Werkself for the French attacker. It's is believed that Premier League side Newcastle United are also interested in his services. The Magpies are reportedly ready to pay a substantial fee for the 23-year-old striker. Kalimuendo has netted 17 goals and provided 4 assists across 33 games in the French top-flight this campaign.
