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In this instalment, we look at how the winner of three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards balanced her success on the pitch with her university studies to lead the way in the future of football.

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.

Long before Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo took the world by storm, there was a Brazilian with bow legs, from a humble background, who decided to take on the world. From a player rejected by Santa Cruz to the best in the world at Barcelona, Rivaldo’s story is one of the greatest displays of resilience Brazilian football has ever seen. This isn’t just a sports biography – it’s the story of a man who took all the criticism he received and turned it into fuel to reach the top.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo defies the odds with a physique that looks ten years younger. Find out how the Portuguese star has turned nutrition into a secret weapon to win five Ballon d’Or awards and remain at the top of world football.

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.

Amanda Guterries, a Palmeiras striker, ended the season as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. Nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2025, she is the most expensive Brazilian player ever sold in Brazilian women’s football.

Behind the records and his five Ballon d’Or trophies lies an invisible secret: sleep. For Cristiano Ronaldo, sleep is not just about resting; it is a strategic training tool. Discover the science behind the recovery that enables ‘Robozão’ to maintain a high level of performance and aim for the historic milestone of 1,000 goals.

Bayern Munich’s thrilling Champions League victory over Real Madrid this week included a landmark event, with Harry Kane converting his 50th goal of the season.

Multiple Ballon d’Or nominee Phil Foden was widely tipped for reatness from a young age. In order to reach the top, however, it was first necessary to go back to basics.

Time was when a Ballon d’Or nominated goalkeeper would save shots fired at him throughout a training session then play up front in a fun 6-a-side. Now it’s all about ankles and tactics.

Born with severe strabismus and still unable to properly judge distances, Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton didn't start with the best odds before becoming the first female winner of the Yachine Trophy in 2025.

With Fabio Cannavaro, a pure defender was honored Ballon d'Or in 2006, a rare achievement. And the recognition of a school and a tradition, that of the Italian defensive style. Here is the interview made right after his crowning.

The 1977 Ballon d'Or recipient, former Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Barcelona forward Allan Simonsen, has chosen a peaceful existence in Vejle. Here, in western Denmark, his popularity remains as high as ever, despite the passing years.

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.