Le Taillan Overview

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal fell just short of making history as the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or winner, finishing third in the 2026 rankings behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Despite claiming a record third Kopa Trophy, the teenage star saw his main prize hopes dampened by a curious case of tactical voting.

Kane gets his crown, Putellas fuels the GOAT debate, and the ceremony overstays its welcome. GOAL’s writers weigh in and make their early 2027 picks.

Luis de la Fuente has cemented his legacy as one of the modern greats after being named the best coach in world football. The Spanish tactician accepted the prestigious award following a historic campaign that saw his national team reach the summit of the sport.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has confirmed it will escalate its legal battle to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a FIFA ruling. The governing body recently dismissed an appeal against sanctions imposed for Islamophobic chanting during an international friendly earlier this year.