2018 Fifa World Cup

Bayern Munich trio Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller dropped from Germany squad following 2018 World Cup debacle

Between them, Hummels, Boateng, both 30, and Mueller, still only 29, boast 246 appearances for Germany and were at the heart of the team which won the 2014 World Cup

2018 in the rearview mirror: Reliving 365 days in 200 clips, GIFs, pictures and memes

Sometimes, moments stick out like sore thumbs. In 2018, a year which had a FIFA World Cup, a Hockey World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Winter Olympics, these moments came thick and fast. 2018 was just that sort of year.

Premier League: N'Golo Kante refused to receive offshore payments for image rights from Chelsea, claims report

Kante has become a fan favourite in England since winning the Premier League with Leicester in 2016, before lifting the trophy again the following season at Chelsea and being named PFA Player of the Year.

France's Kylian Mbappe given hero's welcome in first return to Bondy after FIFA World Cup triumph

Mbappe, who last week made the front cover of Time magazine, talked to kids kitted out in the French colours with the name of their local hero emblazoned on their backs.

Dutch football legend Marco Van Basten leaves post as FIFA technical director after reaching 'mutual agreement'

Former footballer Marco Van Basten has left his position with FIFA after being instrumental in the adoption of several newer and more refined technologies like VAR.

England manager Gareth Southgate extends contract till 2022 Qatar World Cup

Gareth Southgate's new deal will see him through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and see his pay rise to a reported £3million per year.

AFC Asian Cup 2019 could see use of Virtual Assistant Referee technology at 'some stage'

The Asian Football Confederation said it "plans" to use VAR in the UAE, "pending final confirmation that all necessary preparation is in place".

Premier League: Paul Pogba not individualistic or self-centred person as people think, says France manager Didier Deschamps

Didier Deschamps believes the outside world has the wrong image of Paul Pogba, who played a key role in leading France to winning the World Cup.

Antoine Griezmann puzzled by FIFA Best player award nomination snub, wants to win 'more prestigious' Ballon d'Or

For Griezmann, who helped Atletico to Europa League glory as well as playing a pivotal role in France's World Cup win, FIFA's choice was unwarranted.

Premier League: Jose Mourinho hopes Paul Pogba plays for Manchester United with same intensity as World Cup

Jose Mourinho believes the World Cup environment helped bring out the best in Paul Pogba and the Manchester United manager wants the France midfielder to show the same focus and intensity at the Premier League club.