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A clash of styles: Similarities and differences between Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta

They shared a dressing room, inherited Barcelona’s philosophy, and today they face off for the European crown in Budapest. A tactical analysis of PSG and Arsenal’s playing styles.

Emi Martínez’s impact at Aston Villa: from battling relegation to chasing glory

A look back at Aston Villa’s steady rise since Emiliano Martínez joined the club in 2020. How the club’s mindset changed as it made its way to the Europa League final.

How Sports Psychology Empowered the New Era of Women’s Football

In modern times sports psychology has been embraced by every sport, though to varying extents. Women’s football, however, has long regarded the science a fundamental building block to success, assisting greatly in the game’s revolution.

Academy Lesson: How Ballon d’Or Winners Rebuild Themselves After Serious Injury

Serious injuries do not discriminate, cruelly depriving great players of game-time as well as good. Read on to discover how the current Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri returned to Manchester City’s midfield after enduring a devastating ACL.

Iker Casillas: The art of commanding the penalty area at 1.82m

Find out how the Spanish goalkeeper managed to break the physical mould of his era and establish himself at the top.

Ousmane Dembélé: The Exclusive Interview

The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmane Dembélé, spoke exclusively to France Football and Ballondor.com, the day after the greatest night of his career.

Messi’s advice that changed Dembélé’s career forever

Ousmane Dembélé’s path to ultimate glory reached a turning point. Find out how Lionel Messi’s leadership, high standards and support shaped the character of the most recent Ballon d’Or winner.

"My idol": Yamal is hoping Neymar will be selected for the World Cup

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.

Defensive leaders: Marquinhos and Rúben Dias celebrate their birthdays today

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.

McTominay Can Be Scotland’s Gareth Bale at World Cup

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.

From Jota to Vitinha: the Portuguese generation that left an indelible mark on Wolves

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.

Maradona’s advice that improved Messi’s free-kicks

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 and Messi: the friendship that changed the history of Barcelona

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.

Erling Haaland Closes In On Third Golden Boot Honour

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.

DETAILED STATISTICAL PROFILE: VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR

DETAILED STATISTICAL PROFILE: ALISSON

Denzel Dumfries: Summer of speculation awaits on Ballon d’Or nominee’s future

A release clause in the Inter ace’s contract has resulted in much speculation about his short-term future.

Dembélé, Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia three Ballon d'Or nominees, one ruthless European machine

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

OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ DETAILED STATISTICAL PROFILE

Toni Kroos: Does a return to Madrid beckon for the retired pass-master?

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.