Polish footballer; Barcelona striker and Poland captain
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.
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.
City stormed back to draw with Bayern Munich as Inter and Arsenal secured wins in their debuts, but questions linger over Arsenal’s blunt attack and Chelsea’s fragility in Europe’s top club competition.
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 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.