Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has sparked a major diplomatic incident after a video of him joking about a Chinese historical figure went viral. The controversy has already cost the France international two lucrative sponsorship deals, with the Chinese government now issuing an official response to the backlash.
Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe were once again denied their first Ballon d’Or crown. And rightly so. Harry Kane’s selection should also be seen as a wake-up call for the two best individual players. An assessment.
Harry Kane has officially been crowned the best player in the world, ending a quarter-century drought for English football by lifting the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Bayern Munich striker beat out elite competition to secure the golden ball following a year of unprecedented goalscoring dominance for both club and country.
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