STORIES

Defenders may rarely be the most celebrated stars of the game – but they are the ones who underpin many of the greatest achievements in football’s history. And today, coincidentally, two of the best defenders of their generation are celebrating their birthdays: Marquinhos and Rúben Dias. Captains, leaders and Ballon d’Or nominees, the Brazilian and the Portuguese represent a position that almost never takes centre stage, but which remains indispensable to any winning team.

Former Scottish international Paul Dickov has compared last season’s Ballon d’Or nominee Scott McTominay to an inspirational Welsh legend, ahead of next month’s big tournament.

Wolverhampton Wanderers is more than just an English club that has enjoyed a recent golden age – it has become an unlikely slice of Portugal in the heart of the West Midlands. Since the arrival of Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves has become a home for a whole generation of Portuguese talent, from Rúben Neves and Diogo Jota to Vitinha, who years later would become a Ballon d’Or nominee. More than just results, this connection has created a unique identity between the club, the city and the country.

Ronaldinho’s Barcelona was defined by trophies, spectacular football and joy – but also by the emergence of a young Messi. At the height of the Brazilian’s career, a friendship was forged that spanned generations and came to symbolise one of the most iconic passing-of-the-torch moments in football history.

A duel at the Etihad last weekend saw the five-time Ballon d’Or nominated striker edge towards gaining yet another Premier League Golden Boot.

A release clause in the Inter ace’s contract has resulted in much speculation about his short-term future.

They come from France, Portugal and Georgia. They were nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or (first, third and twelfth). And on a Tuesday night at Anfield, under the floodlights of European football's most mythologized stage, Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a Champions League performance that will be remembered

The German midfield maestro has excluded the possibility of returning to the Bernabeu in a playing capacity. But passing on his knowledge from a coaching perspective could be a different matter.

We have a thorough understanding of the project through which Luis Enrique and his family are turning the memory of their daughter into a driving force for helping children with serious illnesses and families going through their most difficult times.

FC Barcelona achieved an incredible feat in the Champions League thanks to the contributions of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí. Find out what impact the latest Ballon d'Or winners had.

So recently a German wunderkind, Florian Wirtz’s stock has dipped at Anfield. His coach however believes high expectations will soon be met.

A tactical and statistical analysis of Bayern Munich’s lethal attacking trio, which has equalled the records set by the legendary ‘BBC’ and established itself as the best forward line in modern football.

The Colombian arrived in Munich to take on a tough challenge at the Allianz Arena. Today, as part of Europe’s most lethal attacking trio, he is having a season that cements his place among the elite.

The Portuguese midfielder's brilliance is no longer disputed. Now he is becoming a PSG mainstay too.

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner has broken a historic record held by Lionel Messi. With further finals on the horizon, the 32-year-old captain is torn between extending her legacy at Barça or seeking a new challenge.

Marta is more than just one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football: she represents a turning point that spans continents. Her remarkable spell in Sweden helped to build an unexpected bridge between Brazil and Scandinavia, paving the way for dozens of players seeking structure and recognition. More than just titles, this journey shows how talent and opportunity have transformed women’s football into a dialogue between Brazil and Northern Europe.

98 matches and 70 goals. Over the seasons, Kylian Mbappé has carved out his own legacy in the Champions League. Take a look back at the start of his career with Monaco, and relive the moment it all began.

Born in England, Michael Olise chose to represent France, his mother's homeland. At 23, he has become one of the continent's most exciting players. His flair on the pitch contrasts sharply with his quiet, reserved personality, which is guided by a single principle: never betray who you are.

From a quiet family home in Angers to the Ballon d’Or conversation at just 20 years old. The story of how discipline, family and an unshakeable desire to improve made Désiré Doué one of the most exciting young players on the planet.

The player who scored the goal that sent Bayern through to the Champions League semi-finals has a difficult life story behind him. How a young man who didn’t even have enough to eat every day went on to become one of the world’s best strikers.