US investor John Textor completed a takeover at Olympique Lyonnais. Textor previously purchased a minority stake in the French club this past summer. However, further investment has taken the businessman’s holdings in the team from 40% to 78%. This means that he now has control at the club.



<a href="https:\/\/www.ft.com/content/2fcdf81d-2abb-4ece-8ede-2a9775a09c35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial Times</a> is reporting that the deal was finalized for around $940 million. The news outlet also claims that the investment group could soon go back to buy the remaining 22% of the club.



Lyon are now the fourth team that Textor currently has stake in. The American also owns 40% of Crystal Palace, 90% of Botafogo, and 80% in Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. All four purchases have been made in the last 18 months. Following the Lyon announcement, Textor claimed that it will be a new chapter for the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Ligue 1</a> team.



<h2>US investor takes over Olympique Lyonnais</h2>



“Today represents a new beginning for Olympique Lyonnais,” <a href="https:\/\/www.ol.fr/en/news/closing-of-the-transactions-with-eagle-football" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Textor. “After four months of constructive negotiations marked by a common understanding with Jean-Michel Aulas and all our partners, we are proud to reach this exceptional agreement.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨 Une nouvelle histoire débute aujourd&apos;hui 🔴🔵 OL Groupe a le plaisir de confirmer que la réalisation des opérations avec Eagle Football a maintenant eu lieu— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/OL/status/1604885325175787529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“It will be a milestone in the history of European and international soccer development, thanks to the combination within one structure, Eagle Football, of our interests in football clubs with a rich culture and decades of experience: Olympique Lyonnais, Crystal Palace, Botafogo, and RWD Molenbeek.”



<h2>Aulas remaining with Lyon despite sale</h2>



Aulas has been the owner and president of Lyon since 1987. He is widely regarded to be a tough negotiator in transfer talks. Despite the takeover, Textor has made it clear that Aulas will remain with the club.



“Eagle Football, in which Jean-Michel Aulas will be an independent director, intends to quickly implement collaboration across its clubs notably in France, Brazil and Belgium, linking on training and development methodologies of Olympique Lyonnais, a reference in the field.”



“The conditions are therefore right for us to work together, with Jean-Michel, on sports, organization and infrastructure issues. He will keep the operational management of Olympique Lyonnais for at least three years and will remain surrounded by his team.”



Lyon is one of the biggest teams in France. They have collected seven top fight division titles during their illustrious history. Nevertheless, the club is currently in a bit of a downward trend. Lyon is eighth in the Ligue 1 table at the moment, a spot where they finished the previous campaign.



PHOTO: IMAGO / PanoramiC

US businessman John Textor, an investor, purchased a controlling stake in Olympique Lyonnais. The club becomes his latest soccer investment.

US investor takes over Olympique Lyonnais

A Spanish court acquitted Neymar of potential fraud and corruption charges. Previously, the Brazil and PSG star <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/neymar-faces-possible-prison-sentence-on-corruption-fraud-charges-20221014-WST-404538.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faced</a> hefty fines and even a possible prison sentence in the case. 



Along with the player, the court acquitted all defendants, as well. This included <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, ex-Santos president Odilio Rodrigues as well as Neymar’s parents.



The crux of the case revolved around Neymar’s 2013 move from Santos to Barcelona. Investment firm DIS accused the player, his father, and Barca of essentially hiding the real cost of the transfer fee. This would have meant that the defendants were trying not to pay DIS the correct amount of money. The firm previously had a partial ownership in Neymar’s player rights.



<h2>DIS does not prove Neymar committed fraud or corruption</h2>



Nevertheless, the court disagreed with the plaintiff. According to the <a href="https:\/\/apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-fc-barcelona-santos-fraud-42853bda0c153f221d1390462fdb3028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Associated Press</a>, the Spanish court issued a statement saying that DIS failed to prove their point. “It has not been proven that there was a false contract or that DIS was intended to be harmed,” read the official statement.



The decision comes at a time in which Neymar could certainly use some good news. Brazil was recently knocked out of the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 World Cup</a> by <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a>. The epic quarterfinal match ended on penalty kicks. While Neymar scored a goal in the match, Brazil were beaten 4-2 in the shootout.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Leo Perisić, Ivan’s son, running over to console Neymar Jr in tears. 🇧🇷🇭🇷 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/Qatar2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar2022</a> This video is simply great 🤍🎥 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/xJeIn1Rxmv">pic.twitter.com/xJeIn1Rxmv</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1601358668129513472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Ronaldo asks Neymar to seek psychological support</h2>



Following the loss, Neymar was seen in tears and even suggested that the game could be his last for Brazil. Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo claimed that Neymar should be receiving mental health treatment. “I would advise having a psychological support to withstand this pressure, which is extremely disproportionate for human beings,” Ronaldo told Brazilian outlet <a href="https:\/\/ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2022/12/12/ronaldo-sugere-acompanhamento-psicologico-a-neymar-e-fala-em-pressao-desproporcional.ghtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Globo</a>.



“Neymar will come back with the same passion, with the same desire,” continued Ronaldo. “But I wanted to reinforce this need to monitor the mental health of our players … It is very important for us to address this issue, especially when it comes to the World Cup, where the whole world is looking at the national team. The world was looking at Neymar.”



The star forward will now receive some much-needed time off before heading back to France. PSG play their next <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Ligue 1</a> game on December 28th at home against Strasbourg.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar was acquitted of fraud and corruption charges by a Spanish court on Tuesday.

Neymar acquitted of fraud, corruption charges

A report out of France has suggested that an American investment fund is interested in purchasing a portion of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a>, or simply PSG. <a href="https:\/\/www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Un-fonds-d-investissement-americain-pret-a-acheter-15-du-psg/1365659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a> is claiming that the investors could buy up to a 15% stake in the <a href="https:\/\/www.worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule">Ligue 1</a> champions. 



The French outlet has not revealed any names of the potential investors. However, the partial purchase would the latest Americans investment in world soccer. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United (for now), Marseille, and AC Milan all currently have some type of American ownership.



<h5>Qatar Sports Investments have owned PSG since 2011</h5>



<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/psg-owners-buy-minority-stake-in-portuguese-club-sc-braga-20221010-WST-403573.html">Qatar Sports Investments</a> (QSI) purchased PSG in 2011. The takeover by the Qatari group immediately made the club one of the richest teams in the world. QSI is reportedly a subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which is a state-run fund in the Middle Eastern country.



Since buying the club eleven years ago, PSG has won eight of the last 10 French titles. The Parisians have also garnered a reputation of being one of the most free-spending clubs in the world as well. The highlight of the tenure was acquiring Neymar in 2017 for an astounding $220 million.



Prior to the QSI investment, PSG had only collected two Ligue 1 titles in their history. The club is now, however, tied with Marseille and Saint-Etienne for the most French titles in the league with 10.



<h2>American investment in PSG is pricey</h2>



<a href="https:\/\/www.forbes.com/teams/paris-saint-germain/?sh=6a7f0d5c51f4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes</a> values PSG at about $3.2 billion. This currently ranks seventh in world soccer club valuation. Just eight years ago, the financial company supposedly valued the Parisian club at just $415 million. Now, this figure hovers around what it takes to acquire the 15% the American group seeks in its investment of PSG.



The aforementioned French outlet is also claiming that the Americans have approached PSG about the possible purchase. Nevertheless, it is not yet determined if QSI would be willing to listen to any potential offers.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire

An American investment group is reportedly interested in taking a minority share of Ligue 1 club PSG, which is owned now by QSI.

Report suggests American investment fund eyeing PSG minority stake

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Madrid (AFP) – La Liga president Javier Tebas accused Nasser Al-Khelaifi of lying and arrogance on Wednesday after Paris-Saint Germain’s president defended his club’s lavish spending to keep Kylian Mbappe.
La Liga have filed complaints to UEFA about PSG and Manchester City “continuously breaching the current regulations of financial fair play”, the Spanish league confirmed last week.
In an interview with Madrid daily newspaper, Marca, Al-Khelaifi said:&nbsp;“We do what we do because we know we can. It’s not our style to talk about other leagues, clubs or federations. We’re not preaching and we’re not going to allow anybody to preach to us.&nbsp;Every year it is the same. We are going to continue building our project.”
Quoting Al-Khelaifi’s comments on Twitter, Tebas wrote on Wednesday: “Al-Khelaifi is another level. He takes us all for fools (not even he believes his lies) and shows up in @marca preaching with pride and arrogance about the ‘nouveau riche’.
“The rules do not exist for @PSG_inside. We will continue to fight for a football that is sustainable and without cheating.”
Tebas has long-rallied against the financial wealth of state-backed clubs like PSG and City, who he insists are constantly breaking UEFA’s financial fair play rules and disturbing the economic balance of the game.
As well as its complaint filed to UEFA against the two clubs, La Liga has hired legal firms in France and Switzerland “with the aim of undertaking administrative and judicial actions before the relevant French bodies and the European Union as soon as possible,” La Liga said last week.
The league is also considering taking action against Al-Khelaifi regarding a “conflict of interest”. Al-Khelaifi is PSG president, in charge of Qatar-owned BeIN Sports, leads the European Club Association and also sits on UEFA’s executive committee.
Mbappe rejected Real Madrid last month to sign a new three-year contract with PSG, who will pay the striker a salary of between 40 and 50 million euros.
PSG suffered a 224.3-million-euro ($240m) loss in 2020/21, an increase of 80 percent on the previous year, the annual report from French football’s financial authority (DNCG) said earlier this month.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said last week Mbappe was left “confused” after being put under intense “political and economic pressure”.
Al-Khelaifi said PSG rejected an 180-million-euro bid from Real Madrid last summer because he knew Mbappe wanted to stay.
“I rejected 180 million last summer from Real Madrid because I knew that Kylian&nbsp;wanted to stay at PSG.&nbsp;I know him very well, I know what he and his family want, and they don’t move for money,” he said.&nbsp;
“He has chosen to play here for his city, his club and his country, and for the sporting project.&nbsp;He only thinks about playing and winning.”

La Liga boss Tebas hits back at ‘arrogant’ Al-Khelaifi

La Liga boss Tebas hits back at 'arrogant' Al-Khelaifi - World Soccer Talk

Despite a midweek win, Saint-Etienne’s struggles still mean the club is in a historically poor position.
As things stand, Les Verts average a paltry .68 points per game in <a href="https://www.ligue1.com/ranking" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ligue 1</a>. That number actually jumped following the club’s most recent result. A 1-0 win over Angers ended an eight-game losing skid in the league. Currently, Saint-Etienne is on pace to finish the Ligue 1 season with just 26 points. That just about guarantees relegation.
For context on how substandard this is, this is developing into one of ASSE’s worst seasons ever. The win in gameweek 22 is just the third of the season. Simultaneously, the clubs 13 losses lead the division. Well, they are in the Coupe de France. But, that is mostly because Saint-Etienne played a pair of fourth-division sides.
This team is not like the 10-time title-winners of the 1980s, the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue winners or even the Europa League squad of 2019. Rather, the club’s first relegation since 2001 seems more and more like reality.
Saint-Etienne’s struggles mean that bright stars are on a sinking ship. Decisions are imminent in terms of jumping overboard.
<h3>Saint-Etienne’s recent struggles</h3>
Saint-Etienne dominated the French scene in the 1980s. Clearly, those days are in the past. However, the Saint-Etienne sides of the past 20 years produced elite talents. Among those to come through the ranks at the club are Dimitri Payet, Blaise Matuidi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. As a club, ASSE advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2008-09 UEFA Cup. Also, the club won the now-defunct Coupe de la Ligue in 2013.
From then on, things at the club spiraled downhill. Yet, the club did not trap itself in the relegation zone like the Saint-Etienne struggles of today. Then, Saint-Etienne desperately craved the trophies and European action, even if the club was not quite there. The club’s European drought looked set to continue after exiting the Europa League in the round of 32.
ASSE dropped to 16th place during the 2017/18 season, leading to manager Julien Sablé’s sacking. The replacement, Jean-Louis Gasset, led Les Verts to a 13-game unbeaten streak. The run of form propelled the club to a seventh-place finish in league play.
The next season, Saint-Etienne finished fourth under the guidance of Gasset. Consequently, Saint-Etienne qualified for the Europa League.
Unfortunately for Les Verts, Gasset resigned over transfer money disputes with the board. Without him, Saint-Etienne finished a shortened 2019/20 season&nbsp; at 17th, just seven points above relegation. With a full season resuming in 2020/21, ASSE pulled a rabbit out of its hat. Hovering just above the drop for the entire season, a final stretch of games propelled the club to 11th at season’s end.
<h5>2021/22 Campaign</h5>
A big chunk of the 2020/21 season hinted at Saint-Etienne’s current season. The club started in the worst way possible, kicking off the season with a twelve-game winless run.
<blockquote>“We conceded three goals at home, and it is unacceptable,” star striker Wahbi Khazri ranted.</blockquote>
Khazri also used some expletives to show frustration with his teammates’ and his performances.
A win against Clermont Foot dragged Saint-Etienne out of last place. Only Metz’s nine points after 13 games sat beneath ASSE. Then, another win, this time against Troyes, set the stage for a classic Saint-Etienne run of form.
That was until a six-game losing streak put Saint-Etienne back where it started.
In the French Cup, Saint-Etienne keeps moving along. In its first game, Les Verts squeaked past fourth-tier team Lyon La Duchere. A sole goal from Arnaud Nordin prevented parity in the match.
A noticeable improved performance followed in the round of 32, this time against Jura Sud Foot. While this is another fourth-tier side, Saint-Etienne comfortably dispatched its opposition, 4-1.
Now in the round of 16, Saint-Etienne got the luck of the draw again. They will play Bergerac, another fourth-tier side. However, Bergerac is top of its group in that division.
The Bergerac clash will be a big turning point for Saint-Etienne. Advancing to the quarterfinals would be a bright-spot in a notorious campaign.
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<h3>The game’s defining Saint-Etienne’s season</h3>
Three games accurately reflect Saint-Etienne’s struggles this season. Without improvement on these performances, chalk the club up to fall to Ligue 2.
<h5>Lorient 1, Saint-Etienne 1</h5>
This game opened ASSE’s Ligue 1 campaign in front of thousands. It appeared to be a promising start after the previous season’s struggles.
Saint-Etienne opened the match in a 4-4-1-1. However, the club failed to score in the first half. Lorient preyed on Saint-Etienne’s inability to score by knocking one in as the second-half got underway. A Wahbi Khazri penalty put the clubs back on level terms, which would remain the scoreline for the rest of the game.
ASSE logged 2.1 xG in the match, according to FBREF. Some of this was because of Denis Bouanga’s heroic efforts. He totaled eight shots and 62 touches, making him an integral part of the offense. Khazri showed his worth with his clinical finishing from the spot.
Overall, the match left a positive note for the season. Clearly, this game provided false hope for the remainder of the USMNT’s season.
<h5>Saint-Etienne 0, Rennes 5</h5>
Undoubtedly, this is Saint-Etienne’s low point of the season.
ASSE, playing in a 4-4-2, conceded a duo of goals early in the match. Martin Terrier scored twice in a span of just six minutes. Rennes struck again, this time off an own goal as the first half concluded. Terrier completed his hat-trick almost immediately after the second half started. Then, in the closing moments of the fixture, Chimuanya Ugochukwu scored the fifth Rennes goal of the day.
Saint-Etienne only won two of its Ligue 1 games then. Consequently, the club entered as massive underdogs. Even then, a loss of this size came as a shock to ASSE supporters and the players alike.
Khazri logged three shots but could not score as he did against Lorient. Saint-Etienne’s defense was surprisingly bad, failing to provide the offense with any kind of hope.
<h5>Reims 2, Saint-Etienne 0</h5>
Zero-point-one. 0.1. That was the xG ASSE produced in a horrific match against Reims.
ASSE lined up in a 4-3-3, focused on capturing their third Ligue 1 win of the season. El Bilal Toure’s 23rd-minute penalty quickly silenced the hopeful murmurs among a helpless Saint-Etienne side. The deficit was just one goal, but it was a bridge Les Verts could not cross.
Khazri did not produce his usual level of offensive productiveness. A red card from Denis Bounanga at the end of the first half did not help Saint-Etienne’s cause either.
Nathanael Mbuku’s 89th-minute score put all possibilities of a draw away.
It was a mediocre performance from Saint-Etienne. The entire Saint-Etienne team produced fewer shots than Toure, by himself, did. Khazri was not as involved in the game as his team needed him to be. The omission of a man forced Saint-Etienne into an uncomfortable position. Reims burnt ASSE down the wings, so their toughness on the flanks will need to be resolved soon.
<h3>Hope for escaping the struggles</h3>
Yet, there is still hope for Saint-Etienne despite its struggles. For one, it is a well-assembled team with a lot of prestige. Also, the roster itself is better than its current league position. Among them are one of the league’s best strikers, two young and agile keepers, and a defensive midfielder that the world’s best clubs have an eye on.
A showdown with fourth-tier side Bergerac in the French Cup will be helpful to see how focused Saint-Etienne is on their season. A quarter-finals appearance will be one of the high points of their season, and on Sunday, they will have a chance to book its tickets to the quarters.
After a derby with Lyon, they will play middling team Montpellier in their first February matchup. Montpellier is a quality side, and their attack is fine. Les Verts will look to exploit a sometimes-frustrated defense on February 5.
Although this looks out of Saint-Etienne’s reach, a PSG matchup looms around the corner. PSG already looks like the 2021-22 champions of Ligue 1, although Ligue 1 only just passed the halfway mark of its current campaign. In a PSG game, we can see the disparity between the ASSE teams of the 1980s and this current side. A win will reveal that the squad is better than the standings say. A loss is expected but will hurt their chances of staying in Ligue 1.
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Saint-Etienne’s struggles put club on brink of relegation

Saint-Etienne's struggles in Ligue 1 play this season are historic for a club of its size, and relegation could be on the cards.

Saint-Etienne's struggles put club on brink of relegation - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-340831" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20210916_CMS_345623_espn-la-liga_ac8fea11.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=630" alt="ESPN+" width="1200" height="630" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/espn-la-liga.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/espn-la-liga-300x158.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/espn-la-liga-600x315.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/espn-la-liga-150x79.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/07/espn-la-liga-768x403.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></a></figure>
ESPN+ is a must-have for many soccer fans in the United States. ESPN’s acquisition of the U.S. rights to LaLiga was built on the development of streaming services for sports coverage.
Not only does <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the service</a> stream matches in English, but they also air every LaLiga game in Spanish. The decision to stream in both languages was frankly essential for the company and viewers.
Prior to LaLiga’s agreement with ESPN, beIN SPORTS held the television rights for the Spanish league in the United States.
During the last five seasons, beIN SPORTS en Español pulled nearly three times the amount of viewers than their English-language beIN SPORTS channel for LaLiga matches. ESPN, clearly aware of these numbers, made the wise decision to stream LaLiga games in both English and Spanish.
With the prominence of Spanish-language broadcasts, ESPN gave the language special attention. ESPN+ General Manager Russell Wolff spoke on the platform’s growth in both languages.
<blockquote>“We’ve seen steady subscriber growth overall on ESPN+ and have seen the Hispanic fan base grow as well,” claimed Wolff in early 2020. “Digital usage is up as well across the board, including on ESPN Deportes.”</blockquote>
Additionally, Wolff mentioned the doors opened through the service’s multiple-language broadcasts. The boost in eyes watching the service means a consequential boost in possible advertisers.
<blockquote>“More content should equal more usage, which should also lead to more attention from advertisers,” Wolff said.
“With Spanish-language broadcasts, we have more opportunities to offer partners the chance to speak directly to Spanish language subscribers, which is a desirable audience that is hard to reach.”</blockquote>
<h3>ESPN+ Spanish-language experience</h3>
Undeniably, it is a positive to have the Spanish-language broadcasts through ESPN+. However, the user experience for Spanish-speakers is disappointing to say the least.
READ MORE:&nbsp;How to watch LaLiga on U.S. TV.
Yes, LaLiga matches and other viewing content can be streamed in Spanish. But, the actual navigation and commands in the app are in English no matter what subscribers watch. 
ESPN+ does offer a <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/XxNNra" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sign-up process in Spanish</a>, but after you register for the app itself, it’s an all-English language experience.
A major factor for ESPN acquiring LaLiga rights in the U.S. was clearly to attract Spanish-language speakers. However, it appears as if ESPN could be doing more to help their target audience inside the actual app. It remains to be seen if the company currently has plans to make the necessary adjustments.
Yes, ESPN+ this week added a new section to the app entitled <a href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2021/09/espn-introduces-espn-mas-a-year-round-curated-collection-of-streaming-sports-content-for-and-about-hispanic-and-latinx-athletes-fans-and-communities/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ESPN+ MÁS</a> that focuses on Spanish-language content, but it isn’t enough. All of the navigation on the ESPN+ app is still in English.
Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona to Ligue Un surely disappointed ESPN. Although the Spanish league will still remain one of the top divisions in European soccer, Messi’s departure certainly put a dent in ESPN’s projected subscriber growth.

ESPN+ faces language barrier trying to reach LaLiga’s fans

ESPN+ now broadcasts LaLiga coverage in the United States. Good news, they have English and Spanish. Bad news, the Spanish-language experience is subpar.

ESPN+ faces language barrier trying to reach LaLiga's fans - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>
PSG produced some dominating teams over the last decade. In fact, they managed to win the French Ligue 1 title in seven of the last nine seasons.
However, this year’s team is perhaps the most exciting squad at the Parc des Princes ever. For one, a handful of <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/fc-paris-saint-germain/transfers/verein/583" target="_blank" rel="noopener">already-elite players arrived</a>. Young stars Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi arrived. Also, a veteran presence in Sergio Ramos and Georginio Wijnaldum bring Champions-League-winning pedigree to the club. Still, the prized-acquisition is arguably the greatest player to step on a field, Lionel Messi.
Adding Messi means that this PSG team will be one of the most-watched clubs around the soccer world. With a front three of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, Les Rouge et Bleu essentially have a fantasy team in attack. So how can we watch the trio live in action here stateside? Let’s take a look.
<h3>How to watch PSG throughout the season</h3>
<h5>Ligue Un</h5>
BeIN SPORTS currently owns the rights to broadcast Ligue 1 games in the United States through the end of the 2023/24 season. On a typical weekend during the Ligue 1 season, every PSG game is shown on beIN SPORTS (or beIN SPORTS Connect). For fans of other French clubs, matches are also available via beIN SPORTS, or on one of their sister channels such as beIN SPORTS Connect or beIN SPORTS XTRA. The network also has a Spanish-language channel that broadcasts games called beIN Sports en Español.
READ MORE: How to watch Ligue Un on U.S. TV.
Some of PSG’s domestic cup matches, Coupe de France, can also be watched on beIN SPORTS.
BeIN SPORTS may not be an American sports channel giant when it comes to name recognition. Yet, they do an excellent job with their Ligue 1 coverage. The beIN SPORTS networks can be accessed on streaming services such as <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fuboTV</a>, <a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage">Sling</a>, <a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004">Vidgo</a>, and <a href="https://fanatiz.jbbfvx.net/k3E2d">Fanatiz</a>.
<h5></h5>
<a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><figure class="image"><a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-265969 alignright" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20210910_CMS_344834_uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200_bd87cd55.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-600x401.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy-200x134.jpeg 200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/03/uefa-champions-league-trophy.jpeg 680w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></a></figure>
<h5>UEFA Champions League</h5>
Along with their domestic matches, PSG also play in the UEFA Champions League. This competition will allow soccer fans to watch Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe line up together against the best clubs in all of Europe.
This season, PSG have been drawn in group A, alongside Manchester City, RB Leipzig, and Club Brugge.
All UEFA Champions League matches are available in the United States through <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paramount+</a>. The streaming service is currently $4.99 per month, or $50 annually, and offers a 7-day free trial.
READ MORE:&nbsp;Complete Champions League TV schedule and streaming links.
PSG begin their 2021/22 Champions League campaign against Club Brugge on September 15th.
No matter the competition, PSG games will certainly be a spectacle this season. Three superstars not only in the same team, but lining up together in an attacking front three is truly special.
Also, Mbappe is reportedly eyeing a move away to Real Madrid next summer. Essentially, the only chance to see this trio grace the pitch could be this season.

How to watch PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé this season

PSG produced some dominating teams over the last decade. In fact, they managed to win the French Ligue 1 title in seven of the last nine seasons.

How to watch PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé this season - World Soccer Talk

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How to watch PSG with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé this season