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.

The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.

Real Madrid are facing a race against time to secure the long-term future of Vinicius Junior as contract negotiations between the club and their star forward reportedly hit a significant stumbling block. The Brazil international, who is currently enjoying a summer break following the World Cup, remains a focal point of the club's plans, but financial disagreements are threatening to overshadow the start of the new campaign.

Brazil's early elimination from the World Cup continues to generate shockwaves in national football, and no one has been more vocal in their dissatisfaction than the legendary Romario. The hero of the fourth World Cup title spared no criticism of Carlo Ancelotti's work and Endrick's lack of accuracy at the crucial moment of the defeat against Norway.