Football News

Rodri won’t be able to defend his Ballon d’Or title from 2024 due to a season-ending injury — so who are the top contenders to take over from the Spanish midfielder?

The 2025 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony is set to take place on Monday 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

The 2025 Men’s Club of the Year nominees have been announced, featuring football giants Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Botafogo. These clubs are recognized for their outstanding performances in the 2024-25 season, competing for one of world football’s most prestigious team awards.

There are several contenders for the Golden Ball, but it is Paris Saint-Germain's main man, Ousmane Dembele, who should take home the prize this year.

The shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin, the most prestigious individual award in women’s football, has been revealed ahead of the ceremony in Paris on September 22. This year’s race is particularly competitive, with several standout performers from across the globe in contention.

The nominees for football’s most prestigious individual accolade, the Ballon d’Or 2025, have been unveiled ahead of the ceremony set for September 22 in Paris. Following an unforgettable 2024-25 season, the shortlist features a star-studded roster of contenders, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and PSG teammates Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi, all recognized for their outstanding contributions over the past year.

On August 6, 2015, Ángel Di María embarked on a transformative journey with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), marking a new chapter in his celebrated football career and altering the landscape of European football forever.

Son Heung-min bid a heartfelt goodbye in what is expected to be his final game for Tottenham, playing in front of his passionate home fans in Seoul. The South Korean forward received an emotional send-off, surrounded by teammates and even Newcastle players forming a guard of honour as he was substituted in the 65th minute. Son handed over the captain’s armband to Ben Davies before leaving the pitch visibly moved, reflecting the deep bond he shares with the club after a decade of dedication.

Thomas Müller signs a €6.6 million deal with Vancouver Whitecaps, becoming the club’s highest-paid player. Despite a big pay rise, he will earn about one-third of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami salary, highlighting MLS salary cap complexities and transfer negotiations.

Kylian Mbappe has been officially handed the prestigious No.10 jersey at Real Madrid, succeeding Luka Modric and joining a legendary line of players who have worn the number. The French superstar, already a key figure for Los Blancos, now carries the legacy of greats like Mesut Ozil, Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, and Ferenc Puskas.

Real Madrid have entered the 2025-26 season under new management with Xabi Alonso taking charge after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen. Following a trophyless 2024-25 campaign despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, Alonso is eager to impose his tactical style and rejuvenate the squad.

Discover how Cristiano Ronaldo played a pivotal role in convincing Portuguese star Joao Felix to leave Chelsea and join Al-Nassr, using the prospect of a stronger partnership for Portugal’s national team as a key argument for the high-profile transfer.

Brazilian football icon Ronaldo has hit back at critics who claim Lionel Messi walks too much on the pitch, insisting the Inter Miami star remains one of the game’s most dangerous players — and a key asset for Argentina heading into the 2026 World Cup.

What Happened?

Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph signals a turning point, and their No.10 is leading the way in the BlueCo era.

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

Luka Modric has officially signed with AC Milan, joining the Italian giants on a free transfer after an illustrious 13-year career at Real Madrid. The Croatian midfielder, who turns 39 this year, played his final game for the Spanish club during their 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner, arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur and quickly became one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. In May, it was confirmed he would depart the Spanish capital, and now he has sealed a move to the San Siro. He has signed a one-year deal with Milan that includes the option to extend for an additional season. Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Modric posted:

Colombia striker Jhon Duran has joined Fenerbahce on a year-long loan - six months after moving from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr in a £71m deal.