STORIES

Anticipation is building as this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony hones into view. Here is all you need to know with those much-awaited shortlists now imminent…

We’re delighted to unveil the official Ballon d’Or online boutique, bringing the spirit and prestige of the world’s most iconic football award to life through an exclusive collection. From timeless essentials to distinctive pieces inspired by the Ballon d’Or legacy, the collection is designed for those who share a passion for football and its greatest moments. And this is just the beginning.

With the serenity of someone who no longer has any unfinished business, the captain announced his retirement from the Argentine national team. The numbers, the records, and the reasons why his legacy will live on forever.

At the age of 39, the Argentine star scored a historic four-goal haul against Montreal, took his tally of free-kick goals to 74 and set new records in his illustrious career.

The 2026–27 Champions League will feature 66 players who were nominated for the Ballon d'Or. Discover the full list, team by team.

With an unforgettable hat-trick against Real Sociedad, the Frenchman surpassed 100 goal contributions at record pace and was reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo.

After a long summer chase, Manchester City have finally got their man, securing the signature of a young star whose best is surely still to come.

With exactly two months until the gala on October 26, the battle for the 70th Ballon d'Or remains one of the most open and contested races in recent history following a dramatic summer World Cup.

A look at the only ten footballers who have managed to win more than one ‘Ballon d'Or’ in almost seven decades of history.

Cole Palmer scored as Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage, with the 2025 Ballon d'Or nominee among the standout performers in Xabi Alonso's opening Premier League game in charge.

After a decade away from the top flight, Vasco are back in the top division of Brazilian women’s football. In a story that also traces the early days of Marta’s career, the club is looking to turn this promotion into a fresh start for its women’s team.

A year after deciding to stay at Manchester City, Savinho is finally set to join Tottenham. Aged 22, the Brazilian has agreed to a move in search of more opportunities and a more prominent role on the pitch.

The winner of the 2005 ‘Ballon d’Or’ has returned to the limelight following his signing for Ravenna, a club in the Italian third division.

Arsenal’s shut-out specialist David Raya has the opportunity to make history this season, in doing so aiding the Gunners’ cause no end.

Did you know that seven winners of the ‘Ballon d'Or’ have represented more than one national team during their careers? From Di Stéfano to Nedvěd, discover the fascinating stories behind these rare cases.

Following the arrival of Rodri Hernández, the Catalan club achieved a record that no other team has managed to match in the entire history of the ‘Ballon d'Or’.

Rodrigo Mora is about to embark on a new chapter in his career. At the age of 19, the young Portuguese player is leaving Porto to join Roma, in a transfer that brings one of European football’s most promising talents to the historic club in the Italian capital.

João Cancelo is set to pull on the Barcelona shirt once again. At the age of 32, the Portuguese player is returning to the Catalan club on a permanent basis, leaving Al-Hilal after two previous loan spells at Barça.

Jamie Vardy may be on the verge of embarking on another surprising chapter in his career. At 39, the Englishman is being linked with São Paulo in a potential transfer that would bring one of the biggest names in the Premier League’s recent history to Brazilian football.

Raphinha has just achieved a first for Barcelona. At the age of 29, the Brazilian has been named the club’s first captain for the 2026–27 season, becoming the first Brazilian to wear the captain’s armband in Barça’s history.