BONDY, France — The vast sprawl of suburbs and satellite towns around Paris, disdained by some as a breeding ground for crime and terrorism, is home to the greatest pool of soccer talent in Europe. The banlieues of Bondy and Sarcelles produced Kylian Mbappé and Riyad Mahrez, respectively. Photographed forThe New York Times.
Players from FCM Aubervilliers Under-13 Team relax between games during a tournament hosted by Bondy A.S. at Stade Léo-Lagrange on May 20, 2018 in Bondy, France.
A vendor begins to pack up his stand, where international soccer jerseys are among the many wares for sale, on May 18, 2018 in Parisian banlieue of Sarcelles. Sarcelle is the hometown of Riyad Mahrez, now a star player at Leicester City.
Sarcelles A.A.S. Under-17 A and B squads play against each other in a scrimmage on May 18, 2018 in the Parisian banlieue of Sarcelles, France. Mahrez began his career at Sarcelles A.A.S.
Sarcelles A.A.S. Seniors coach Mohamed Coulibaly watches his players practice on May 18, 2018 in Sarcelles, France. The seniors squad, seen here, is comprised of players aged 18-35 and is the most elite team in the club.
Central defender Joao Mendy, 20, of the Sarcelles A.A.S. Seniors Team laughs with his teammates while stretching after practice on May 18, 2018 in the Parisian banlieue of Sarcelles, France.
A large building with a billboard featuring Paris Saint-Germain and French National Team player Kylian Mbappé is seen on May 20, 2018 in the Parisian banlieue of Bondy, France. Mbappé began his career playing at Bondy A.S.
Bondy A.S. Assistant Sports Director Antonio Riccardi speaks to his Under-13 Team at halftime during the championship game of a tournament hosted by his club at Stade Léo-Lagrange on May 20, 2018 in Bondy, France. Bondy went on to win the Under-13 division of the tournament. Riccardi also coached Paris Saint-Germain and French National Team player Kylian Mbappé.
Bondy A.S. players Mehdi, center left, and Mohamed, center right, both 12, watch games in between their matches during a tournament at Stade Léo-Lagrange on May 20, 2018 in Bondy, France.
Bondy A.S. Under-13 players celebrate after winning a tournament hosted by their club at Stade Léo-Lagrange on May 20, 2018 in the Parisian "banlieue" of Bondy, France.
The Sarcelles RER (commuter rail) station is seen at dusk on May 18, 2018 in the Parisian banlieue of Sarcelles, France.
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