Alagoano 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.

Santiago Gimenez failed to register a single Serie A goal for AC Milan during the 2025-26 campaign, with legendary Mexican striker Jared Borgetti explaining his fellow countryman’s struggles to GOAL. Despite enduring a tough time at club level, leading to inevitable transfer talk, the 25-year-old forward is still looking forward to starring at a home World Cup finals.

Roberto De Zerbi is already making waves in the market as he looks to reshape his Tottenham squad, but a move for Moise Kean might not be as certain as reports suggest. While the former Everton man has been linked with a return to the Premier League, a friend of the Spurs boss has cast doubt on a deal materialising.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly edging closer to a blockbuster move to Juventus after reaching a verbal agreement with the Italian giants. The Argentina World Cup winner is ready to take a significant pay cut to swap the Premier League for Serie A this summer.