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Crowned the 1986 Ballon d'Or winner while representing the USSR, Igor Belanov now shares his life's greatest trophy with the people of Ukraine. The former striker travels the country, boosting the morale of soldiers and children alike.

Ronaldinho grew up amidst loss and challenges but always brought a smile to the game whenever he stepped onto the pitch. From Grêmio to PSG, from Barcelona to the Brazilian National Team, his career is marked by incredible dribbling, unforgettable goals, and a joy that never seemed to fade. A World Cup and Ballon d'Or winner, he showed that passion, talent, and a playful spirit can come together to create something truly special.

The Portuguese attacking midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2000, sent shockwaves through the football world that same year by moving from Barcelona to Real Madrid. Beyond that seismic transfer, he defined an era with his devastating dribbles down the right flank.

While coaches don’t win the Ballon d'Or, they build the players who do. Emma Hayes reveals her secrets for cultivating a "Golden Mindset" within the US National Team and Chelsea’s elite stars.

In 1966, the world saw the perfect harmony between a World Cup triumph and individual coronation. We look back at the grace and power of Sir Bobby, the man who put English football on the Ballon d'Or map.

A high volume of goal involvements in Bavaria has elevated Michael Olise to superstar status, sharing equal billing with a record-breaking team-mate.

From playing barefoot on the fields of Mafalala to becoming an icon for Benfica and the Portuguese national team, Eusébio conquered the world with his speed, electric dribbling and deadly accuracy. The first African to win the Ballon d’Or and a brilliant striker for Benfica, he shone for the Portuguese national team in 1966, becoming a symbol of talent, courage and inspiration that transcends generations.

Known primarily for his creative work, Cole Palmer is on the cusp of joining an exclusive goal-scoring club in the English top-flight.

Now an established force of nature for club and country, her journey has taken her from living in a car to endorsing them, and what must swell her pride in times of reflection is this simple truth. Trinity Rodman has done it all her own way, with no help at all from someone who could – and probably should – have helped along the way.

Jude Bellingham, the undisputed number one player under 21 in 2023, won the Kopa Trophy. At just 20 years old, the Englishman had already established himself as one of the best players on the planet. This is a rare conversation with Real Madrid's star, who is as comfortable in front of the microphone as he is on the pitch.

In October 2023, the Real Madrid forward, who was just 23 at the time, told us about a life full of adventures. From a child prodigy in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro to a rising star in world football, he has become an international icon and an important voice in the fight against racism, of which he is still a victim. (Original article from October 2023, last updated in January 2024).

Lamine Yamal, 2025 Ballon d'Or runner-up and a prodigy for FC Barcelona and Spain, opens up about his magical summer.

In 1963, Lev Yashin won the Ballon d'Or. To this day, the Soviet legend remains the only goalkeeper ever to receive the prestigious award. This is the story of a giant of the game who was far ahead of his time.

At nearly 78 years old, the former AC Milan captain, Gianni Rivera, has retained the elegance, the immodesty, and the frankness of his glory years, marked by his Ballon d'Or in 1969.

A double Gerd Müller Trophy winner, the Polish striker for FC Barcelona became a La Liga champion and its top scorer. In 2023, approaching his 35th birthday, he sat down with L'Équipe magazine to discuss what still drives him to perform at the highest level.

Nicknamed "The Panzer," the German defensive midfielder, Ballon d'Or winner in 1990, excelled in long-range shooting, particularly from free kicks.

Winner in 1991, much to his own surprise, following a stellar season with Olympique de Marseille, Jean-Pierre Papin recounts those unforgettable moments that propelled him into another dimension.

Born to sporting royalty, Rodman eschewed easy advantages in order to prove her worth, on her own terms, and in her own right.

Failed trials and early setbacks were the norm for the youngster, considered too small to succeed. With a steely determination he grew to be a giant in world football.

Ever since Pelé immortalised the number 10 shirt in 1958, the number has come to symbolise genius and greatness in Brazilian football. Decades later, Kaká took that legacy to its pinnacle, conquering the world and lifting the Ballon d'Or in 2007 – the last time a Brazilian ascended to the throne of world football.