STORIES

With physical strength, explosiveness and an exceptional ability to make a difference at both ends of the pitch, Nuno Mendes has helped redefine the role of the modern left-back. Nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2025, he is now one of the key players at PSG and for the Portuguese national team.

Behind the headlines and overshadowed by a superstar team-mate, these four Ballon d’Or nominees are posting impressive numbers in the Americas.

With his physical presence, technical ability and impressive composure on the ball, William Saliba has helped redefine the role of the modern centre-back. Nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2024, he is now one of the mainstays of both Arsenal and the French national team, the culmination of a career built on patience, perseverance and constant improvement.

The Spanish national team winger broke his silence at his most difficult moment. The string of injuries, his prayer to the Virgin Mary following the defeat to Uruguay, and the winning mentality that has the whole country hopeful for the World Cup.

Thirteen goals. One name. Harry Kane has done what no England player had ever managed, becoming his nation's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup.

In 2021, Romelu Lukaku earned his one and only Ballon d'Or nomination, landing 12th in the world rankings after a season that saw him resurrect Inter Milan's title dreams before a high-profile return to Chelsea. It was a moment of recognition long in the making for a striker who had spent a decade defying doubters, rewriting goal records, and carrying the weight of Belgian football on his shoulders.

Multiple Ballon d’Or nominee Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer at the weekend. Here are his 13 goals revisited.

The Norwegian striker secured a last-gasp place in the round of 16 against Côte d’Ivoire and set a historic record that made headlines around the world. The ‘Viking’s’ statistics.

Scoring a brace for France on Tuesday against Sweden in the round of 32, Kylian Mbappé has now reached 18 World Cup goals enough to pass Miroslav Klose's 16, and pull within a single goal of Lionel Messi.

Twenty-four years ago, Brazil won their fifth World Cup title with a squad packed with star players, including 12 players who were nominated for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award during their careers. Now, in 2026, the Brazilian national team dreams of repeating history and winning their long-awaited sixth World Cup title.

Who will be crowned this summer’s assist king? Presently, there are three main contenders to the throne, with Ballon d’Or nominee Michael Olise firmly in the running.

In an exclusive interview with France Football and Ballondor.com in 2018, Antoine Griezmann opened up about the 2018 World Cup he won with the French national team.

The Moroccan goalkeeper enjoyed another historic night at the World Cup. An in-depth analysis of his body language during the penalty shoot-out, his famous smile and Morocco’s dream, which remains alive as they head into the round of 16.

Despite yet another record from Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal finished the group stage in second place, leaving some of their fans wanting more.

Brazil is gearing up to face Japan today in the first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana captain is making history on the global stage, bringing Africa's elite goalkeeping to the world's attention this summer. But who is he really?

The two-time nominee for the ‘Ballon d'Or’ award was in the starting line-up for the match against Portugal and broke a historic record for the Colombian national team.

At the 2026 World Cup, Brazil will face Japan once again in Houston, in yet another clash that continues the long-standing rivalry between the two teams. Ahead of Monday’s match, we look back at their previous encounters.

Ballon d'Or’s latest winner put in a flawless first-half performance to seal the victory against Norway. With his three goals, he achieved a series of statistical milestones that seemed impossible to reach in the modern era.

The Moroccan full-back shone in the 4-2 victory over Haiti. After winning the MVP award, he smashed the record for international caps and equalled a record his country had not seen since the 1998 World Cup in France.