English striker, Bayern Munich captain, England's all-time top scorer
Aston Villa has announced it will initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher for unacceptable insults toward the club and its fans. Carragher has apologised, describing his comments about Unai Emery moving to Manchester United as tongue in cheek amid a growing row that has drawn responses from BBC, AP, Al Jazeera and The Guardian.
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.
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.
City maintains a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Coventry. Haaland scores, Enzo Fernandez provides a timely debut assist, and Gianluigi Donnarumma makes crucial saves to preserve the lead. Coventry pressure intensifies but cannot find a leveller, leaving Lampard's side still searching for a first top-flight goal this season.
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.
Scotland’s Bowie has not represented his country since last October but is hoping to impress new Belgium coach Pocognoli ahead of an imminent squad announcement. He starred for Sassuolo in a dramatic win over Juventus, scoring late to swing a 2-1 result in a performance that could boost his international chances.
The Royal Foundation-backed On Your Side program expands across UK sport, with institutions like the FA, Premier League, and Team GB adopting a toolkit to encourage conversations, identify warning signs, and direct individuals to help. William, Kane, Holmes and others champion the effort to embed mental health support into everyday sporting life.
Salah has opened the scoring in the fourth minute and has completed a hat-trick, with teammates contributing goals as Galatasaray slide in the league table. The match features discipline issues with Buruk sent to the stands and a red card for Ugochukwu, while Reis takes charge at Trabzonspor following Tekke’s exit.
Manchester United have beaten Bodo/Glimt 5-0 at Old Trafford in their Champions League return. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Kane scored; Fernandes, Kane and Michael Olise have each been nominated for this year’s Ballon d'Or. United have recorded their biggest European win since 2020.
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.
Dortmund has won 1-0 away at Stuttgart, extending their 4-0 start to the season. Kovac’s side show defensive resolve and clinical finishing from Beier off the bench, hinting at a potential title push. Bayern remain top contenders with a narrow gap; Dortmund’s improvement signals a possible challenge this season.
Josh Kerr has delivered a landmark season, winning the Ultimate Championship 1500m and collecting multiple titles, as Amy Hunt also posts a record-breaking year. The duo’s success fuels discussion over BBC SPOTY selection amid a strong athletics year.
England has named its provisional squad for the Nations League, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer returning alongside a crop of young players. The team faces Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia during the extended break.
The latest update on Chelsea players and England’s Nations League squad confirms changes after Tuchel has recalled Palmer and Alexander-Arnold for four games during the international window. Palmer has missed the extended break following a league defeat, while Brentford’s form improves.
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.
Harry Kane has reached 100 Bundesliga goals, breaking Dieter Müller’s 1977 record. He scored a 39th-minute penalty and added a second in the 54th minute as Bayern Munich beat Cologne to go top of the table. Kane has averaged a Bundesliga goal every 78.5 minutes since joining in 2023, with 152 goals in 154 appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he is continuing with Portugal under manager Jorge Jesus, aiming to reach 1,000 career goals while helping the national team win the Nations League. He has dismissed retirement and signalled a new generation will shape Portugal’s future.
England captain Harry Kane has hinted at exploring an NFL kicker career while at Bayern Munich, with plans contingent on his form over the next five to six years. He also says a future MLS move could connect football and American football, though his Bayern contract remains the immediate focus.
England’s Nations League campaign has seen Alexander-Arnold deliver a decisive assist for Gordon as Tuchel weighs his plans at right-back; Palmer’s withdrawal from duty draws attention to squad depth and selection strategy ahead of a Spain opener.
England has secured a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the Nations League, with Anthony Gordon scoring and Harry Kane adding a second. The win strengthens England’s position in Group A3 as Tuchel refines his attack, notably Kane and Gordon, who are emerging as key threats. Alexander-Arnold returns with a pivotal assist, and England’s defense keeps a clean sheet against 10 men.
Portugal has kept Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for a Nations League win in Norway, with Ronaldo's role and status under scrutiny as the team stays top of Group A4. Ronaldo has not trained with the squad since Sunday, while Jorge Jesus says he will talk to him after the match. Portugal hosts Norway next, aiming to extend its lead in Group A4.
England's Harry Kane has extended his goals record and is approaching Shilton's appearances as he forms part of a future without him. Tuchel says there is no direct replacement, and Bellingham is stepping into a leading role in a new system.
Nike has unveiled its Pace plan to cut costs and streamline operations, signaling further layoffs start in 2027 as it reorganizes into three geographies. The move follows disappointing Q1 results, with revenue down and profit slipping, while Nike seeks to bolster its Sportswear, Jordan Brand and Greater China segments. Details on extent of job cuts remain unclear.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has wrapped up his international career with a goal in a 3-0 win over Benin, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s row with coach Jorge Jesus over a Nations League benching has sparked questions about his international future. The stories cross-pollinate as both legends navigate endings and what comes next for their nations.
England has secured a convincing Nations League win, with Harry Kane scoring twice to become the national record scorer and lead a strong performance under coach Thomas Tuchel. The win strengthens England’s position in Group A3, with Spain ahead and Croatia trailing.
Borussia Dortmund has extended Niko Kovač’s contract, underscoring continuity after a period of change. The manager’s team has improved steadily, earning top form in the Bundesliga and achieving strong results in Europe.
Richarlison has been recalled to the bench as Tottenham’s plans for him remain uncertain, with his form and registration issues limiting first-team chances. He scored for Spurs’ under-21s in a trophy clash, while his broader future at the club and potential moves have dominated headlines.
Bayer Leverkusen has secured a third consecutive Europa League win, beating OFI Crete 2-0 with a Jonas Hofmann double. Juventus is held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes after a late winner is ruled out by VAR. Sunderland’s draw in Poland accompanies a busy night of European action.
Bayern Munich has delivered a commanding display to surge to the Bundesliga summit, with Luis Diaz spearheading a multi-goal performance that stifles Leipzig. Kane and Pavlovic contribute key assists as Kompany oversees a ruthless showing ahead of a packed schedule.
Arsenal have secured a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in Munich after Declan Rice nets a late equaliser following Eze’s opener for Arsenal and Kane’s double for Bayern.
Manchester United are under mounting pressure after a last-minute setback by Como, with captain Bruno Fernandes voicing criticism and former players calling for accountability. Carrick's position is under threat as results dip and internal tensions rise.
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.
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.
Kylian Mbappé has apologised after a clip circulated in which he joked about a meme that appeared to reference Mao Zedong. China Media Group has suspended broadcasts of La Liga matches, and Chinese firms including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have ended partnerships. Real Madrid and La Liga have also issued apologies.