CHAMPIONS' ACADEMY

Serious injuries do not discriminate, cruelly depriving great players of game-time as well as good. Read on to discover how the current Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri returned to Manchester City’s midfield after enduring a devastating ACL.

41 years, 10 month, and 17 days. No one has ever been so old in earning their Ballon d'Or win, whether in the women's or men's category. But who holds this record? And what does the Top 5 look like?

With legs that seemed to be from another planet and a shot capable of defying the laws of physics, Roberto Carlos built a career characterised by explosive speed and some of the most impressive free-kicks in the history of football. A World Cup winner with Brazil and an eight-time nominee for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award, he also helped to redefine the role of the left-back in modern football.

Four Ballon d’Or nominated superstars are primed to participate in their first World Cup tournament. The expectation on each to perform is almost too much to bear.

From dominating the wing to orchestrating PSG’s attacks. We take a look at the Moroccan full-back’s transformation: a talented player who influences every aspect of the game and dreams of making history for his region.

They shared a dressing room, inherited Barcelona’s philosophy, and today they face off for the European crown in Budapest. A tactical analysis of PSG and Arsenal’s playing styles.

In modern times sports psychology has been embraced by every sport, though to varying extents. Women’s football, however, has long regarded the science a fundamental building block to success, assisting greatly in the game’s revolution.

Ousmane Dembélé’s path to ultimate glory reached a turning point. Find out how Lionel Messi’s leadership, high standards and support shaped the character of the most recent Ballon d’Or winner.

To become an expert at free kicks, the Rosario-born player needed a masterclass at just the right moment. We look back at that afternoon in 2009 when Diego Maradona revealed a technical secret to him that changed history.

Turning vegan in 2020, the ‘Egyptian Prince’ unlocked a whole other level to his attacking play, leading to an ultimate season. Read on to discover the secrets of his nutrient-dense diet.

In our Academy of Champions, we look at how a simple switch of foot became the Spaniard’s trademark and a tactical lesson for modern football.

Fresh off his stunning 2025 Ballon d'Or victory, PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé sat down for his first major interview, the coveted golden trophy in hand. And while he nearly left it behind at the end of our meeting, his primary focus was clear: sharing this moment with his team and his inner circle.

Gabi Portilho was not just one of the key figures in Brazil’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics – she became a symbol of a team that started out as underdogs and ended up making history. Amidst injuries, doubts and difficult results, she helped turn pressure into confidence and uncertainty into performance. More than just decisive goals, her journey in Paris shows how courage and unity can redefine the course of Brazilian women’s football on the world stage.

With the advancement of possession-play from the back it’s tempting to believe goalkeeper training must have transformed beyond all recognition in recent years. Instead, there has only been steady evolution.

A highly disciplined sleep protocol is crucial to the well-being of an elite player, with Erling Haaland leading the way.

Elite sports stars are not born with an elite mindset, rather it is constructed over time. From forging an extreme mental toughness to obsessing over 1% improvements, the very best view the world differently.

From replicating scenarios in training to enhancing intelligent habits and instincts, young footballers develop their footballing savvy as much as their technique.

Nutrition lies at at the forefront of sports science, fuelling elite players and ensuring they optimise performance and enhance recovery.

Each fundamental to England’s World Cup hopes, between them, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are multiple Ballon d’Or nominees. Feted for their staying power as much as their elite ability the pair go to great lengths to maintain their endurance efficiency.