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Amid physical concerns, anticipation and nostalgia, Neymar’s future with the Brazilian national team continues to captivate fans and players around the world. And few admire the star as much as Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish star who grew up inspired by the irreverent style of play of his greatest idol.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.