Thibaut Simon, Media365 : published on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 08:55
Find the main sports news of Thursday, April 16, 2026. Strasbourg’s historic qualification, French medals in judo, and the end of Bernardo Silva’s era at City.
Football – Strasbourg continues its European dream
Racing did it! After losing 2-0 to Mainz in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals, Strasbourg overturned the Germans in the return leg. An Alsatian comeback (4-0) marked by goals from Nanasi, Ouattara, Enciso, and Emegha. This victory allows Gary O’Neil’s men to reach the semi-finals of a European competition for the first time in their history. In the next round, they will have to defeat Rayo Vallecano from Spain to glimpse the final.
Judo – European gold for the French
At the European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgian judokas shone on Thursday. Four medals, including two golds for the French. In Tbilisi, Luka Mkheidze (-60 kg) clinched his second continental title on home soil with a final of 2’53. By forcing his opponent to abandon, the Frenchman was crowned against the defending champion. In the -48 kg category, Shirine Boukli secured her fifth European title. The Frenchwoman battled throughout her journey – 7’25 in the quarter-finals and 12’19 in the final – but emerged with the title at 27. Amandine Buchard (-52 kg) won silver, while Walide Khyar (-66 kg) settled for bronze.
Tennis – Fils into quarterfinals in Barcelona
After a tough 2 hours and 30 minutes battle in the first round in Barcelona against compatriot Terence Atmane, Arthur Fils more easily defeated American Brandon Nakashima (6-2, 6-3) on Thursday. In the quarter-finals, the recent Miami semi-finalist will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Last season, the Frenchman had the upper hand over his future opponent by winning in the round of 16 at Indian Wells. See you on Friday on the Barcelona clay.
Handball – French Women know their Euro opponents
In December, the French women’s handball team will compete in Euro 2026, which will take place for the first time in five countries. Placed in Group E, the French will face Ukraine, the Faroe Islands, and one of the co-hosts, Poland. In the next round, France could meet Sweden, Germany, or the Netherlands. The players of Sebastien Gardillou will avoid Denmark and Norway. The French will have the advantage of playing the competition (until the final if reached) on the same site in Katowice, Poland.
Football – Bernardo Silva to leave City at the end of the season
A chapter is about to close at Manchester City. Indeed, Bernardo Silva (31) will leave the club at the end of the season. Arriving in 2017 from Monaco, the Portuguese has played 450 matches with the Cityzens and won 19 trophies. “In a few months, it will be time to say goodbye to the city where we have not only won so much as a football club, but also where I have founded my family,” said Silva. This Sunday (5:30 pm), he will try to beat Arsenal to revive the title race and perhaps leave City with a 20th title in hand.
