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‎If you thought the Ballon d’Or lost its sparkle after the Messi-Ronaldo era, think again. The race for football’s most prestigious individual prize is wide open, and with the absence of international tournaments in 2024–25, the battle is being decided solely by club performances. ‎ ‎' Ousmane Dembélé. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Following Rodri’s 2024 win—which sparked Real Madrid's dramatic boycott after Vinícius Jr. missed out—the Manchester City midfielder’s season-ending injury has blown the 2025 race wide open. As the campaign nears its conclusion, a new frontrunner has emerged: Ousmane Dembélé. ‎ ‎1. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) ‎ ‎Stats: 35 goals, 12 assists | Trophies: Ligue 1, Trophée des Champions ‎ ‎The enigmatic French winger is finally delivering on his massive potential. Crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League have helped PSG reach the final, putting Dembélé firmly in pole position. ‎ ‎2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelo...

‎Aston Villa's hopes of securing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal are under serious threat, with Barcelona still monitoring the Manchester United loanee's situation closely. The England international has experienced a rejuvenation in form since his January loan switch to Villa Park, becoming an instrumental part of Unai Emery’s squad and regaining much of the confidence lost during his difficult spell at Old Trafford. ‎ ‎' Marcus Rashford. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on a six-month loan deal, has impressed both fans and staff, with Emery reportedly eager to retain the forward’s services beyond the current campaign. However, several obstacles may prevent the Villans from executing a full transfer—chief among them, Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions and the striker’s substantial wage demands. ‎ ‎As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Villa do possess a £40 million ($49m) buy-out option. But triggering the clause may hinge on the ...

‎Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to transform its football league into a global force have seen it target Europe’s biggest stars with jaw-dropping contracts. While several Premier League names have made the move, Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have watched their stars turn down similar offers—with Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha among the latest to say no. ‎ ‎' Vinicius Jr. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Star Names Say No ‎ ‎According to reliable sources close to both clubs, Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. and Barcelona's Raphinha were approached by Saudi Pro League representatives with lucrative deals in 2024. The offers promised enormous salaries, multi-year contracts, and commercial incentives. Yet both Brazilians declined. ‎ ‎Their decisions highlight a growing trend among top La Liga players: prioritizing competitive football and club legacy over financial windfalls. ‎ ‎Legacy Over Lucrative Contracts ‎ ‎For Vinícius Jr., who has become one of Real Madrid’s most ...

‎Barcelona winger Raphinha has reportedly made a firm decision on his future, opting to remain at Camp Nou and commit his long-term future to the club, despite receiving significant offers from Saudi Arabian clubs. ‎ ' Raphinha. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona and the Brazilian international are close to finalizing a contract extension that will keep him in Catalonia until 2029. Although final details such as his revised release clause are still being negotiated, a verbal agreement is said to be in place, highlighting both parties' intent to continue their fruitful partnership. ‎ ‎Raphinha, 28, confirmed his commitment to the Blaugrana project during a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s dramatic 4-3 El Clásico triumph over Real Madrid. The winger emphasized his desire to stay at the club and build on what has been a sensational campaign under new manager Hansi Flick. ‎ ‎In his second season at the club, Raphinha has delivered extrao...

‎Xabi Alonso, one of football’s most respected minds, has officially been named the new manager of Real Madrid. The deal is signed and sealed: a three-year contract until 2028. Alonso is expected to take charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, ushering in a new era following the impending farewell of Carlo Ancelotti. ‎ ‎' Xabi Alonso. ' ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎This marks a full-circle moment for the former midfield maestro, whose deep ties to Real Madrid as a player have now evolved into a leadership role on the touchline. ‎ ‎A Playing Career Rooted in Excellence ‎ ‎Born in Tolosa, Spain, in 1981, Xabi Alonso rose from Real Sociedad to the pinnacle of European football. His move to Liverpool in 2004 saw him become a key architect of the club’s miraculous 2005 Champions League victory. Later, at Real Madrid, he became a strategic linchpin, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. He concluded his playing days with Bayern Munich, capturing multiple Bundesliga titles under Pep...

‎Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has reportedly committed his long-term future to the Spanish giants, agreeing to a new five-year contract worth a staggering €100 million. According to Spanish outlet AS, the Brazilian international will become the highest-paid player at the Santiago Bernabeu, earning €100 million net through 2030. ‎ ‎' Vinicius Jr. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 24-year-old forward has been the subject of sustained interest from the Saudi Pro League, with multiple clubs reportedly offering lucrative deals to lure him away from Europe. However, Vinicius has opted to remain with Real Madrid, the club he joined in 2018 from Flamengo. ‎ ‎The new contract, while yet to be officially announced by the club, is expected to run through the summer of 2030. It marks a significant commitment by Real Madrid to one of their most electrifying and consistent performers. With 105 goals in 314 appearances for Los Blancos, Vinicius has become an indispensable part of ...

‎With Carlo Ancelotti reportedly heading for the Brazil job, the summer promises transformation at the Santiago Bernabéu. In the wings waits Xabi Alonso – one of the most talked-about young managers in Europe, fresh off a title-winning campaign with Bayer Leverkusen. But what awaits him at Real Madrid is not a fairytale return – it’s a tactical minefield. ‎ ‎' Xabi Alonso. ' ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Los Blancos may have landed Kylian Mbappé last summer, but the squad still feels imbalanced, and a trophyless 2024-25 looms. Alonso, should he take the reins, must immediately navigate a squad that is simultaneously overloaded with world-class talent and rife with structural holes. ‎ ‎Here’s what the new Real Madrid might look like under Alonso, based on expected moves – Rodrygo's potential departure and Trent Alexander-Arnold's free transfer arrival – and the systems that could redefine the Spanish giants. ‎ ‎The Key Assumptions ‎ ‎Before formations, some groundwork: ‎ ...

‎Barcelona’s explosive wide men turned Sunday’s Clasico on its head, as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal lit up a pulsating 4-3 comeback win over Real Madrid. The result leaves Hansi Flick’s side seven points clear atop La Liga with just three games remaining, bringing a potential league title tantalizingly close. ‎ ‎' Lamine Yamine. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎What began as a disaster for the Catalans—conceding twice to Kylian Mbappe inside the first 15 minutes—was transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance. Despite their rocky start, Barcelona responded with fire. Eric Garcia headed home to halve the deficit, before Yamal curled in a stunning equalizer and Raphinha capped a sensational 25-minute blitz with a relentless double. ‎ ‎Madrid struck first when Wojciech Szczesny clumsily brought down Mbappe in the area, who then converted from the spot. The Frenchman added another shortly after via a rapid counterattack, capitalizing on defensive lapses. Barca’s fortunes...

‎Few rivalries in world sport evoke the drama, emotion, and grandeur of El Clasico—the eternal contest between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's a spectacle shaped by politics, cultural identity, and controversy, but above all, by the players who have risen to define it. ‎ ‎' Lionel Messi ' Ft. ' Cristiano Ronaldo. ' ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ ‎Spanning over a century, El Clasico has been the proving ground for the sport’s most gifted talents. While many legends have graced the pitch—Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, Andres Iniesta, and Sergio Ramos among them—not all made consistent goal-scoring impact. The true legends of this fixture are those who rose to its greatest challenge and found the net time and again. ‎ ‎Here are the 10 greatest scorers in El Clasico history, ranked by goals scored across all official competitions. ‎ ‎1. Lionel Messi – 26 Goals (Barcelona, 2004–2021) ‎ ‎No one has dominated El Clasico like Lionel Messi. In 45 appearances, the Argentine ma...

‎Arsenal’s hopes for silverware this season were shattered once again as Mikel Arteta’s men fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The 2-1 loss in Paris—courtesy of goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi—sealed a 3-1 aggregate defeat and confirmed yet another trophyless campaign for the Gunners, despite a season filled with promise. ‎ Arsenal fans call for Arteta's sacking after UCL heartbreak vs PSG. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The aftermath has been unforgiving. ‎ ‎Disappointed and frustrated, a vocal section of Arsenal fans has taken to social media with a clear message: the time has come for Arteta to go. The hashtag #ArtetaOut began trending within hours of the final whistle, echoing growing concerns over the manager’s tactical choices and squad management. ‎ ‎“Arteta failed to sign a centre-forward in January—here are the outcomes,” lamented one fan on X. “Trophyless again. I’m so disappointed in my club. Sorry but SACK ARTETA. Enough ...

‎Fabián Ruiz Peña, commonly known as Fabian Ruiz, has steadily risen to prominence as one of Spain’s most technically gifted midfielders. Known for his composure, tactical acumen, and versatility, Ruiz currently plies his trade with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Spain national team. As of 2025, Fabian Ruiz’s net worth is estimated at $10 million , bolstered by lucrative club contracts, endorsements, and international appearances. ‎ ' Fabian Ruiz. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Early Life and Background ‎ ‎Born on April 3, 1996, in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain, Ruiz began his football journey at just eight years old with Real Betis’s youth academy. His dedication and football IQ saw him rise through the ranks to make his senior debut in 2014. ‎ ‎Club Career Highlights ‎ ‎ • Real Betis (2014–2018): Fabian became a regular for Betis, impressing with his left foot and vision. ‎ ‎ • Elche (Loan – 2016–17): Gained valuable experience on loan in Spain’s second tier....

‎Arsenal have launched urgent contract negotiations with French star William Saliba, reacting swiftly to Real Madrid’s long-term interest in the defender. According to fresh reports from L'Équipe, the Spanish giants are laying early groundwork to sign Saliba—either by lowering his fee over time or acquiring him on a free transfer in 2027. The move echoes Real Madrid's cautious but strategic approach to major signings, similar to their previous pursuit of Kylian Mbappe. ‎ ‎' William Saliba. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, recently appointed to lead the Gunners’ footballing strategy, is determined not to repeat Paris Saint-Germain’s high-profile mistake with Mbappe, who left for free. Berta has already opened extension talks with Saliba, aiming to secure the 23-year-old’s long-term future well ahead of his contract expiry. ‎ ‎Real Madrid's admiration for Saliba stems from a combination of current squad vulnerabilities ...

‎Jamie Carragher has publicly supported Liverpool fans’ emotional response to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club for a likely move to Real Madrid, suggesting that the reaction is not only natural but justified. ‎ ‎' Trent Alexander-Arnold. ' ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎The 26-year-old, who confirmed on Monday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, is expected to join Real Madrid in what could be one of the most controversial exits of a homegrown talent in recent memory. Alexander-Arnold, an academy graduate and local icon, has spent two decades at Anfield, rising from boyhood fan to Champions League and Premier League winner. ‎ ‎But as Carragher writes in his Telegraph column, the sense of betrayal among Liverpool’s fanbase is real—and not simply a product of sentimentality. ‎ ‎“There is a simmering resentment from the local fanbase,” Carragher noted, “that [Alexander-Arnold] is trying to separate himself from ‘their own’, or thinks there...

‎It’s official: Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool. The Anfield academy graduate, long seen as the spiritual successor to Steven Gerrard, will depart his boyhood club at the end of the season—on a free transfer. His likely destination? Real Madrid. His goal? The Ballon d’Or. ‎ ‎' Trent Alexander-Arnold. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎For many Liverpool fans, this was the inevitable conclusion to a saga years in the making. There had been warning signs—particularly Alexander-Arnold’s 2023 interview with Sky Sports where he claimed winning the Ballon d'Or was more important to him than captaining Liverpool or lifting more trophies. “Don’t play the game, change the game,” he said. It was a line that didn’t just hint at ambition, but a shift in his sense of identity. ‎ ‎This wasn’t just a right-back chasing greatness anymore; it was a player willing to sacrifice legacy for the possibility—however remote—of individual glory. ‎ ‎A Dream Derailed ‎ ‎Alexander-Arnol...

‎Vincent Kompany has defied the critics and ended one of modern football’s strangest narratives — Harry Kane, the great striker cursed never to win a trophy. On a dramatic Bundesliga Sunday, Bayern Munich sealed their 34th German title after Bayer Leverkusen stumbled to a draw at Freiburg, confirming the Bavarians as champions with two games to spare. ‎ ‎' Harry Kane. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎For Kane, it’s the end of a long and winding wait. For Kompany, it’s vindication. ‎ ‎Few gave the Belgian a chance when he stepped into the Allianz Arena last May. Fresh off a dismal Premier League relegation campaign with Burnley, his appointment was met with widespread skepticism — including thinly veiled digs from former boss Sean Dyche. Bayern’s failed pursuit of elite names like Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann left Kompany as an unexpected solution. But the club's sporting director, Max Eberl, believed in his vision and pedigree, and that faith has been emphatically...

‎Barcelona may soon be at a crossroads. According to reports from Fichajes, Premier League champions Liverpool are preparing a €40 million bid to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong — a move that could force a difficult decision at the Camp Nou. ‎ ‎' Frenkie de Jong. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎New Liverpool manager Arne Slot, fresh off guiding the Reds to a title-winning campaign, is eager to reshape his midfield around players he trusts. Frenkie de Jong, a player Slot knows well from their shared Dutch football roots, has emerged as a prime target to orchestrate his vision. ‎ ‎Despite being under contract with Barcelona until 2026, De Jong’s name has surfaced once again in transfer discussions. The driving force behind this renewed interest? Barcelona’s persistent financial woes. The Catalan club’s delicate economic situation has made them more receptive to sizable offers — and €40 million is nothing to ignore. ‎ ‎Key to Slot’s Strategy ‎Liverpool’s midfield alrea...

‎Lionel Messi’s transition into Major League Soccer continues to generate headlines—not just for his goals and assists, but for how little resistance he’s facing from defenders. Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, soccer analyst Andrew Wiebe pointed to a growing issue in the league: defenders are too afraid of being humiliated by the Argentine legend. ‎ ‎' L. Messi. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎In Inter Miami’s most recent outings, Messi has had ample time and space to dictate play, link up with long-time teammate Luis Suárez, and orchestrate dominant performances. This stands in sharp contrast to his tougher battles in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where CF Monterrey pressured Messi aggressively and with effect. ‎ ‎“It’s the fear,” Wiebe said on the show. “Nobody wants to close in on Messi, no one wants to get embarrassed. But then all of a sudden he sits, he waits, he finds the angle, and that’s a connection [with Suárez] we have seen hundreds of times.” ‎ ‎Messi’s aura, cultivat...

‎Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a wave of criticism from football fans around the world after Al-Nassr were knocked out of the AFC Champions League semi-finals by Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale. Despite Ronaldo's prolific run in the tournament — netting eight goals in as many games — the Portuguese icon failed to deliver when it mattered most in the 3-2 defeat, extending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia. ‎ ‎' Cristiano Ronaldo. ' ‎Getty Images Sport ‎ ‎Al-Nassr’s hopes of continental glory were dashed in a single-legged semi-final clash, with goals from Sadio Mané and Ayman Yahya proving insufficient against the J1 League side’s clinical edge. Kawasaki's resilience and sharp finishing exposed weaknesses in Al-Nassr’s defense, and the team now exits the competition without silverware once again. ‎ ‎Ronaldo, who has scored 91 goals in 102 appearances since joining the Saudi club, was expected to be a decisive figure. However, his quiet performance in this crucial fi...

‎Lionel Messi, often hailed as the greatest footballer in history, commands not only accolades on the field but a fortune off it. As of 2025, Messi's net worth is estimated at $850 million, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in modern history. ‎ ‎' Lionel Messi. ' ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Messi overcame early health challenges and financial hardship to become a global icon. After joining FC Barcelona in his teens, he amassed 672 goals in 778 appearances. His record-breaking contracts, including a 2017 Barcelona deal worth an average of $168 million per year, cemented his place at the pinnacle of sports earnings. ‎ ‎Beyond club football, Messi's international achievements include leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022 and earning Olympic gold in 2008. His historic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has fueled global interest and lucrative brand opportunities. ‎ ‎Messi's Career Earnings: $1.6 Billion and C...