Copa por Mexico Übersicht

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.

For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is once again proving to be busy, with some huge names making big-money moves before deadline day on September 1.

Paul Pogba has made a long-awaited return to the pitch for Monaco, featuring in a pre-season friendly as he fights to save his career in the South of France. The World Cup winner has endured a nightmare spell at the Stade Louis II, but his appearance this weekend offers a glimmer of hope that he could yet play a role under new management.

Romelu Lukaku could be heading for a fresh challenge, with Major League Soccer (MLS) emerging as a serious option alongside interest from Ajax, Monaco and Fenerbahce. Napoli are expected to part ways with the Belgian striker as they look to reduce their wage bill, although any move will depend on clubs meeting the financial demands of a permanent transfer.