January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
MADRID, Feb 20 — Kylian Mbappé’s sensational hat-trick against Manchester City secured Real Madrid’s place in the Champions League last 16, marking a defining moment in his journey with Los Blancos.
For the French superstar, this was the kind of night he had dreamed of—growing up with Cristiano Ronaldo posters on his walls and watching Real Madrid dominate European football while his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, struggled to claim the ultimate prize.
Madrid’s shaky start to the season, partly due to Mbappé’s adjustment period, left them facing City in a crucial play-off. But the forward delivered when it mattered most, netting three clinical goals to seal a 3-1 victory on the night and a 6-3 aggregate triumph.
“People told me about these nights, and now I see it with my own eyes. I want to experience many more,” Mbappé said.
Finding His Footing at Madrid
After years of speculation, Mbappé finally arrived in Madrid last summer but initially struggled with inconsistency and missed opportunities, including penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao. Determined to prove himself, he has since netted 18 goals in his last 18 games, with his best performance yet coming against City at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“I knew I couldn’t continue playing the way I was,” Mbappé admitted. “My adaptation period is over—I have to show my quality.”
Aiming for Greatness
Mbappé emphasized that joining Madrid was just the beginning. “Achieving my dream is one thing, but I want to make history here,” he said. “If I can score 50 goals, I will. But what matters most is winning titles.”
With 28 goals in 38 games, he is already drawing comparisons to Madrid’s legends. Manager Carlo Ancelotti believes he has the potential to reach Ronaldo’s level but cautioned that it won’t be easy.
“He has the quality and determination, but Cristiano set the bar very high,” Ancelotti said. “Mbappé has just started his journey here.”
Madrid will face either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next round, and Mbappé is hoping for a city derby. “Both are tough opponents, but avoiding travel makes it easier,” he said, eager for more chances to shine at his dream club. — AFP
