Category: Sports

The organizers of the Ballon d’Or have announced that a footballer can receive the prestigious award even if they do not secure a trophy with their clubs or country.

They said that the individual player’s performance on the field holds greater significance than the trophies won by the team.

In a statement released by the Ballon d’Or, they enumerated the players who have achieved the Ballon d’Or despite not winning a trophy during the season.

However, such occurrences are rare, with only six players accomplishing this feat throughout history.

“Stanley Matthews, the inaugural Ballon d’Or recipient in 1956, was the first to win the award without having secured a team title in the calendar year (the Ballon d’Or has been awarded based on the sporting season since 2022).

“Denis Law equaled this achievement in 1964, followed by Gerd Müller in 1970. The German striker netted 10 goals in that year’s World Cup, yet his team finished in third place.

“Kevin Keegan in 1978 and Luis Figo in 2000 also succeeded in winning this prestigious individual accolade despite a season devoid of trophies. The most recent player to achieve this was Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013, marking 11 editions since this last occurred.”

Currently, the leading contenders for this year’s prestigious award, without a team trophy to their name this season, are Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

Ballon d’Or: Footballer can win award without winning single trophy – Organisers clarify

Barcelona’s Women midfielder, Aitana Bonmati, has named three players that deserves to win the men’s Ballon d’Or this year.

Bonmati, who won the 2023 female Ballon d’Or, named Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain duo Rodri and Pau Cubarsi to win the prestigious individual Golden Ball trophy.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 28-year-old said of the Ballon d’Or, “I would give it to Rodri, for example, to Messi, why not, partly because of what he has shown at 39 years old in the World Cup.

“If I have to choose someone, Rodri or Cubarsi, because Canavaro also won a World Cup playing as a centre-back and Cubarsi has ​​had a great World Cup to deserve it,” she said.

The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be announced in October, and Messi, Rodri, Cubarsi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise are all expected to contend for the award.

Ballon d’Or 2026: Aitana Bonmati names three players that deserves to award

Real Madrid have finally agreed a deal to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.

The LaLiga giants will pay over €100million for the Ivory Coast.

Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has gone all out for Diomande this summer after manager Jose Mourinho requested for the winger.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “The fee for Yan Diomande to Real Madrid will be well in excess of €100m.

“All formal steps including documents exchange between clubs, travel and contract signing will happen next week.

“Florentino Pérez decided to go all in to give Mourinho what he wanted.”

Diomande himself has turned down moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Transfer: Deal for Diomande as Real Madrid president Perez grants Mourinho’s wish

Chelsea are confident they can generate substantial revenue from the prospective sale of Pedro Neto, according to Daily Mail.

The Portuguese international transferred to the Blues from Wolves two years ago in a deal exceeding £50 million.

Throughout his tumultuous two years at Stamford Bridge, Neto has only displayed glimpses of his potential, having experienced a succession of managerial changes.

This ongoing instability has led to several players joining the club, competing with him for positions on the wings.

Neto’s most impressive form since relocating to west London arguably was during Enzo Maresca’s tenure, and it is understood that the newly appointed Manchester City manager is interested in reuniting with him.

Liverpool is also keeping an eye on the 26-year-old’s circumstances, while a club in Saudi Arabia has maintained a long-term interest.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea is not actively seeking a sale but believes they could achieve a significant profit if they decide to part ways with Neto.

With many of Europe’s top clubs searching for elite wingers, Chelsea are of the opinion that transfer prices have already seen considerable inflation this summer.

RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain are both demanding fees well above £100 million for Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola.

In fact, Chelsea themselves outbid Arsenal, paying £117 million to acquire Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, thereby setting a new British transfer record.

Neto is not currently on Chelsea’s tour, which has started in Sydney, Australia, as he is still having downtime after representing Portugal at the World Cup.

Chelsea’s other Portuguese right winger, Geovany Quenda, is due to join up with his team-mates after the Australian leg of this tour as they move on to Asia.

Quenda, 19, picked up a ‘small injury’, per sources close to the player.

Chelsea’s new striker from Strasbourg, Emmanuel Emegha, will return to training at a later date after suffering a hamstring issue during their behind-closed-doors friendly win over Bromley.

Transfer: Chelsea take decision on selling Pedro Neto to Liverpool, Man City

Algeria defeated Senegal 2-0 in the opening game of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, DAILY POST reports.

The North Africans scored once in each half to floor the Lionesses of Terangha in keenly contested encounter.

Both teams fought hard to break the deadlock in an evenly matched first half.

Bristol City midfielder Marine Dafeur however opened the scoring for Algeria from the penalty spot three minutes before the break.

Farid Benstiti’s side had to wait until two minutes before the end of the game before sealing the win through Melissa Bethi.

Algeria temporarily moved to top position in Group A following the comfortable victory.

Hosts Morocco Morocco will take on the Harambee Starlets in the group’s other game later tonight.

WAFCON 2026: Algeria ease past Senegal in opening match

Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has decided that he would prefer to reach a resolution on his delicate contract situation with the club.

AS reports that Vinicius is not currently entertaining interest from Arsenal.

Over the weekend, there were reports that the Gunners were exploring a sensational move for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal have been alerted to the fact that Vinicius has entered into the final 12 months of his current deal.

The news that Madrid have agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande has only fuelled rumours that Vinicius’ days with Los Blancos could be numbered after a glittering eight-year stay at the Bernabeu.

But it is now claimed that the Brazilian wants to remain with Madrid and his “priority” is to agree an extension.

Vinicius wants to make the process as “easy” as possible for all parties involved.

Transfer: Vinicius Jr takes decision on leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal

Premier League clubs will now battle to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Barcola is believed to have informed the Ligue 1 champions, that he will not sign a new contract with the club.

The France winger will now explore a move abroad ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are believed to be leading the race for Barcola, but he is a player that Arsenal have checked on in the past.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Bradley Barcola will NOT sign a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain, the decision is confirmed.

“As always reported, he’s open to exploring a move this summer and will NOT sign a new contract.

“Liverpool have Barcola on top of their list.”

Transfer: Liverpool, Arsenal to battle for Barcola as player rejects PSG deal

Warri Wolves technical adviser, Hassan Abdallah has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the 2026-27 season.

The experienced tactician disclosed this after their warm-up game against Rangers in Asaba.

Abdallah revealed that his team will work more on togetherness, strength and the tactical side of their game before the start of the season.

“I’m looking forward to a great season. For me it’s very easy from building a team from Warri,” Abdallah told Warri Wolves media.

“We are trying to work more on ensuring the players play as a team before the start of the new season.

“I’m very comfortable since I joined the team mid-season last term. I have seen a lot of good players that are ready to learn and grow.”

NPFL: Warri Wolves will be ready for 2026-27 season – Abdallah

Saudi Premier League club, Al-Ittihad have submitted a bid for Beşiktaş captain, Wilfred Ndidi, DAILY POST reports.

According to Turkish news outlet, Milliyet, Al-Ittihad offered Beşiktaş €10.5 million for Ndidi which could rise to €12.5 million with bonuses.

Beşiktaş are, however, still evaluating the offer for the Nigeria captain.

The Black and Whites will make a decision on the transfer with head coach Vincenzo Italiano.

Ndidi’s future with the Turkish Super Lig club will be determined based on the report submitted by the Italian.

The 29-year-old joined Beşiktaş from Leicester City last summer, scoring two goals, and providing one assist in 31 league appearances.

Transfer: Al-Ittihad submit €10.5m bid for Ndidi

Argentina midfielder, Leandro Paredes, has hinted that teammate Lionel Messi may have already decided on his future with the national team after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup last weekend.

Messi led Argentina as they lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final following Ferran Torres’ only goal of the encounter.

However, Paredes believes the match against Spain is not Messi’s last match for the Albiceleste.

“I think he had already made the decision. I hope that is not the case, and I hope he continues playing, but the decision is his.

“Whatever makes him happy will make us happy too,” Paredes said in an interview posted by Sport Daily on X.

Messi has won both the Copa America and the World Cup with Argentina.

It’s, however, yet to be seen if the Inter Miami forward will play another World Cup for Argentina.

He has already decided – Paredes on Messi’s future with Argentina after World Cup