Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as Real Madrid coach with immediate effect five days after his team were pipped to the La Liga title by city rivals Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club said on Thursday.

Sergio Ramos breaks down in tears, saying leaving Real Madrid is one of the most difficult moments of his life as he bids farewell after 16 years at the club.

Ten years ago tonight, thousands of people filled the streets of Juba to celebrate the birth of what is still the world's youngest nation. A decade on, the independence of South Sudan is unfortunately no longer a cause for celebration. From the start, the country has been hampered by inter-tribal conflict and famine. In this edition of Eye on Africa, we look back at 10 years of independence for the South Sudanese and discuss what lies ahead for the nation.

Defiant protesters wave Afghan flags at scattered rallies to mark the country's independence anniversary, days after the hardline Taliban Islamist militants swept into the capital, completing a stunning rout of government forces after a two decade insurgency.

With Real Madrid hoping to sign Kylian Mbappé, coach Carlo Ancelotti agrees that Paris SG's French striker "is a great player", but declines to comment further on the possible transfer ahead of their La Liga match against Betis Sevilla.

The EU wants Poland to be fined over new laws it believes undermine the country's judiciary. European lawmakers say the punitive measures must be in place until there is compliance.

Catalan separatists held their first major rally since the start of the COVID pandemic — amid divisions in their ranks over upcoming talks with the Spanish government.

Karim Benzema is "like a good wine, he gets better with time," says his Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, adding that he believes the French international striker deserves to be included in the list for the Ballon d'Or.

US President Joe Biden sends his best wishes as Mexico celebrates 200 years of independence, saying that both countries have learned that they are stronger when they "stand together as neighbors, partners and friends."

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991, but few countries recognise it statehood. The territory of 4.5 million is fiercely proud of its independence, but three decades on, the lack of official status hobbles economic hopes.

Alleged victim in sex tape trial 'disappointed' in Real Madrid's Benzema absence

France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was found guilty of complicity in the attempted blackmail of a former international team mate over a sex tape on Wednesday and sentenced to a one-year suspended jail term. He was also fined 75,000 euros ($84,170). Benzema's lawyer said the player would appeal against the verdict.