The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Golden Ball has been announced: Ousmane Dembele.

Real Madrid will not change their contract offer to Vinicius Junior amid a standoff between the Spanish club and the Brazilian winger. Having been dropped twice in recent weeks by new coach Xabi Alonso, the winger is facing further scrutiny this season and the club are reluctant to match his demands for a significant pay rise.

Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or nightmare worsened as Betis mocked the Real Madrid winger after he finished 16th in the 2025 rankings. The Brazilian had once promised to win the award “ten times if needed”, but those words were brutally echoed back at him online. Now, with Xabi Alonso limiting his role, pressure is mounting on the highly-rated attacker.

Levante captain Unai Elgezabal has accused Vinicius Junior of 'disrespect' after a heated exchange with the Real Madrid forward. The centre-back said he reached the point he had had 'enough' following a confrontation with the Brazilian during Madrid's 4-1 win in Tuesday's La Liga clash at the Ciutat de Valencia.

A fire erupted at the home of Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior on Thursday morning. The Los Blancos forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, who take on South Korea and Japan during the break, meaning the property was thankfully vacant as the blaze ripped through his home. An electrical malfunction is believed to have been the cause of the fire.