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An analysis of the resilience and mental fortitude of the striker who embraced the role of game-changer, overcame prejudice and scored a historic goal.

Nominated for the Ballon d’Or and a key player for the Spanish national team, the striker explains how responsible adoption and the company of his dogs keep him grounded.

With his physical presence, technical ability and impressive composure on the ball, William Saliba has helped redefine the role of the modern centre-back. Nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and again in 2026, he is now one of the mainstays of both Arsenal and the French national team, the culmination of a career built on patience, perseverance and constant improvement.

From being let go as a teenager to carving out a reputation as one of the best practitioners of his craft, Declan Rice has encountered a career of extremes. These two quotes best illustrate his fall and rise of the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominee.

The Arsenal star’s physical and mental preparation has turned him into one of the world’s most reliable and impactful midfielders.

This is how the World Cup unfolded for the Spanish midfielder, who was Spain’s star player and broke a historic record held by Xavi Hernández.

We take a look at the lifestyle of the Spanish midfielder who reached the pinnacle of football by breaking rules that seem to be the norm.

Willian Pacho grew up in a small rural town in Ecuador, lost his mother on the very day he realised his dream of making his professional debut, and, years later, reached the pinnacle of world football. This is the story of a journey marked by pain, strength and resilience.

Nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2026, Willian Pacho enjoyed a historic year with PSG and Ecuador. Here are the statistics behind his season.

The statistics behind Julián Quiñones’ 2026 nomination for Ballon d’Or help to tell the story of an outstanding season. Playing for the Mexican national team and Al-Qadsiah, the striker racked up some impressive figures, including four goals at the World Cup and a season as top scorer in the Saudi Pro League.

Michael Olise has played a major part in France’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. With five assists in six matches, the Bayern Munich player stands out not only for his statistics but also for the intelligence with which he reads the game – a trait that may well have been shaped by another passion: chess.

The London-born star has always had an assist or two in his armoury. In 2025/26, for club and country, that truth intensified many times over.

Tucking his shirt into his shorts is one of João Neves’s trademark habits – a habit linked to the discipline and values he learnt from childhood. Now, the Portuguese player has just received his second nomination for the Ballon d’Or award.

João Neves never let his height hold him back on the pitch. Through intelligence, intensity and hard work, the Portuguese player has become one of the most important players for PSG and the Portuguese national team. Hence his 2026 Ballon d'Or nomination.

Displaying remarkable durability, Lionel Messi was 39 years and 26 days old when he made his third World Cup final appearance earlier this month. A decade ago such a feat seemed impossible.

A journey through the most human chapter of his career. From the tears following the lost final to the decision that redefined his legacy forever.

At the age of 24, Nuno Mendes has already amassed an impressive collection of titles and statistics that help explain his rapid rise to prominence. The Portuguese full-back has also been gaining increasing prominence at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

With physical strength, explosiveness and a rare ability to make a difference at both ends of the pitch, Nuno Mendes has become one of the finest left-backs of his generation. Nominated for the ‘Ballon d’Or’ in 2025, he features once again on the prestigious shortlist in 2026 and is now one of the key players for PSG and the Portuguese national team.

Across 2025/26 and this summer’s World Cup, a striker at the peak of his powers converted 58 goals for Real Madrid and France. His teams, however, fell agonisingly short time and again…

Now firmly established at the pinnacle of world football, the Argentine was on the verge of embarking on a career in a completely different sport.