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An analysis of the player who redefined the defensive midfield role, prioritising intelligence over physicality, and transforming the very nature of football as we knew it.

From Dois Riachos to the world, Marta turned obstacles into triumphs and became the Queen of Brazilian football. More than just titles and records, her career is a testament to perseverance, courage and pioneering spirit. Find out how she changed the game forever.

The 1993 Ballon d'Or winner cultivates the art of paradox. A creative footballer in the kingdom of rigor, a Buddhist in the land where Catholicism is king, he lives his differences in complete tranquility. If football can drive you crazy, the "ordinary person" hiding behind it is not about to fall into the trap.

Visualisation and imagery training has helped pave the way to success for many superstars of this era, not least Jude Bellingham. Here’s how the technique has become an invaluable building block for tomorrow’s elite talent.

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The first-ever female Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, Ada Hegerberg reflects on the public platform and the responsibility this trophy bestowed upon her outspoken advocacy.

Insatiable, the Barça attacking midfielder has no intention of settling for a double Ballon d'Or (2021 and 2022). She is aiming for a third crown to join another Catalan icon.

In front of a microphone, the 2019 Ballon d'Or never disappoints. Convinced she has a role to play in defending minorities, the U.S. star also exhorts her male counterparts to show the same level of involvement.

He, who tames every ball that passes through his feet with such singular talent, had secretly been thinking of the Ballon d'Or. The object of all his desires, it returns to him almost by right this year (1998). "You cannot imagine what I am feeling..."

Brazilian winger Raphinha welcomed France Football into his Barcelona home to discuss his ambitions, his journey, and his new status, achieved later in his career at 28: that of one of the world's best attackers.

Just months away from retirement, Fluminense captain Thiago Silva, at 41, dreams of a Brazil call-up for the World Cup. This comes before he potentially takes on a coaching role at Paris Saint-Germain, a club that profoundly impacted his career.

Behind this new historic milestone are moments that changed football. A journey into the past to relive the eight works of art that catapulted Lionel Messi to win each of his Ballon d'Or awards.

After a record-breaking debut season in Germany, Harry Kane has redefined the role of the modern #9. By analyzing his 2025-2026 stats, we uncover the clinical discipline that keeps him at the top of the Ballon d'Or conversation.

After securing an unexpected yet historic third consecutive Ballon d'Or, FC Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati reflects on her journey from Catalonia to the 2025 ceremony.

A leap of faith and teenage courage led a 15-year-old Christian Pulisic to Europe. There his dynamic displays helped inspire a nation.

Born in a Liberian slum, "Mister George" Weah became the first non-European Ballon d'Or winner in 1995 before later ascending to his country's presidency. In an exclusive interview with France Football, the former Monaco, Paris-SG, and AC Milan striker reflects on his unique journey.

Hristo Stoichkov, the fiery Bulgarian forward known for his stubborn nature and magical left foot, celebrated in 2024 the 30th anniversary of his Ballon d'Or. On this occasion, the former Barcelona legend reflects on the pursuit of a lifetime.

From her humble beginnings in Dois Riachos to the top of world football, Marta transformed obstacles into achievements and rose to become the Queen of the women's game. More than just titles and records, her journey is a powerful story of perseverance, courage, and a never-say-never attitude. Discover how she changed football forever.