Sergipano playoff Overview

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 is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.

Adi Hütter's return to Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt is taking shape.

German international Deniz Undav is set to extend his contract with VfB Stuttgart, according to several reliable media reports.

Nicolas Jackson is expected to be given the opportunity to impress new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso after returning from his loan spell at Bayern Munich. The striker remains highly rated at Stamford Bridge despite attracting interest from several clubs.