Spanish football star and Ballon d’Or Féminin winner
Lionel Messi has won MLS's Golden Boot for the second straight season, with 26 goals and 17 assists for Inter Miami in 2026. He leads the league in goal contributions and is set to contend for the MLS MVP as Miami edges into the playoffs.
The 70th Ballon d’Or is set to be awarded in London on October 26. Kane, Bellingham, and Rice headline the men’s shortlist, with Messi and Mbappé among others on the list. The ceremony marks a milestone anniversary; the competition has featured a global lineup and continues to spark debate over the year’s standout performers.
Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami win the Campeones Cup with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, sealing the club’s first Campeones Cup trophy and adding another trophy to Messi’s MLS era. Casemiro’s late header secures the win after Messi’s early headed goal; the ceremony also marks new coach Cristian Gonzalez’s first game in charge.
Kylian Mbappé has left Nike after nearly 20 years and has signed with Swiss brand On, which has hired Thierry Henry as director of football. On has given Mbappé equity and will involve him in designing football boots and apparel; the company plans retail football boots in 2027 and will feature Mbappé as a global ambassador.
Fernandez has renewed with London City after a standout season in which she played every Women’s Super League match, earned fans’ player of the season, and helped the club to sixth in their debut top-flight campaign. She previously won multiple titles with Barcelona and has featured for Spain at Euro 2025.
The United States has drawn 2-2 with Spain in a pair of exhibition matches, with Spain taking an early 2-0 lead before Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson levelled the contest. Spain remains world champions and has qualified for next year’s World Cup; the U.S. eyes qualification in Concacaf W Championship later this year.
Kane has become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, delivering a defining personal and national achievement. He has starred for Bayern Munich, scoring 73 goals in 65 games, and has led England to the World Cup semifinals. The award ceremony in London crowns a season of record-breaking form.
Alexia Putellas has won a third Ballon d’Or Feminin, becoming one of the sport’s greatest players while Barcelona dominate the awards night. Her move to the London City Lionesses this season underscores Spain’s continuing influence in women’s football.
Harry Kane has won the men's Ballon d’Or at a London ceremony, after scoring 73 goals across the 2025/26 season for Bayern Munich and England. Alexia Putellas won the women’s Ballon d’Or. Kane becomes England’s first Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001, and he thanks teammates, staff and family in a emotional acceptance.
Harry Kane has claimed the Ballon d’Or, becoming England’s first winner since Michael Owen in 2001. The Bayern Munich forward scored 73 goals last season and helped Bayern to a domestic double, while England reached the World Cup semi-finals. Mbappe finished second and Lamine Yamal third in a tight vote decided by 100 journalists.