Champions League news

Fermin Lopez joked Real Madrid were not among the clubs trying to sign him in the summer as he admitted that he received more offers than just Chelsea's late bid. The midfielder insisted that leaving Barcelona was never an option, though, as he looks to become a crucial figure for Hansi Flick's side following another injury upset.

Chelsea fans are "absolutely fuming" and have accused the Blues of exploitation ahead of Jose Mourinho's much anticipated return to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League. The clash has been slapped with a Category AA label, the most expensive tier in the club’s pricing structure, meaning adult general sale seats stretch up to a staggering £83.

Barcelona are cautiously managing Lamine Yamal’s recovery as the teenage star edges closer to full fitness ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Hansi Flick admitted the teenager is “almost back” but stressed no risks will be taken. With PSG and Ousmane Dembele looming on October 1, Barca are preparing to have their prodigy fit for Europe’s biggest stage.

Hansi Flick admitted Ousmane Dembele “deserved” the Ballon d’Or after the Paris Saint-Germain forward’s spectacular season, while insisting Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has taken finishing second in his stride. Flick revealed Yamal is "motivated" to win the prize in the near future and ready to respond with performances as Barca prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

Federico Chiesa has broken his silence on Arne Slot's decision to leave him out of Liverpool's Champions League squad. The Italy international will not be playing in Europe, but he has still maintained his plan for the season is to prove his worth, and attempt to become indispensable under Slot.

Jose Mourinho reportedly wanted 'to attend Chelsea games' before his Benfica appointment last week, but the Blues have no plans to offer a homecoming welcome to 'Judas' for their Champions League tie next week. Fresh from his abrupt sacking at Fenerbahce after failing to secure Europe’s top table through qualification, the 61-year-old is once again prowling touchlines where he believes he belongs.

Lionel Messi is in line for more Ballon d’Or recognition after seeing Inter Miami nominated for a new award. Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele walked away with the Golden Ball in 2025, with the one-time Barcelona team-mate of Argentine icon Messi being named the best player on the planet. Several other prestigious prizes have been handed out.

Ousmane Dembele was presented with the Ballon d'Or for 2025 at a typically lavish ceremony in Paris on Monday night, capping a remarkable redemption at Paris Saint-Germain for a player regarded by Barcelona fans as one of the worst signings in the club's history.

Ousmane Dembele has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane in an elite trophy club after being named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned the best player on the planet at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital, with the France international fending off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

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.

It is the year 2025 and Ousmane Dembele is a Ballon d'Or winner. It's a reality that might require a little getting used to, as the Paris Saint-Germain superstar's path to this point has been far from smooth, but it is a fitting end point nonetheless.

Paris Saint-Germain have been ranked as the Men's Club of the Year at the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala after Les Parisiens won a historic quadruple led by Luis Enrique. Arsenal were named the Women's Club of the Year after their massive Women's Champions League campaign last season under Renee Slegers, becoming the first side to dethrone Barcelona from the pedestal.

Robert Lewandowski asked to leave Bayern Munich "every year" as he grew frustrated with the lack of Champions League success with the German club, according to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. The former Bayern CEO reveals, Lewandowski's desire to win the European crown had him itching for a move away, before the club finally delivered on his objective.

Say what you will about the merits of the Ballon d'Or, but last year's ceremony was undeniably dramatic. The event organisers, France Football, have always insisted that "no player or club knows who has won the Ballon d'Or" before the victor is announced on stage - but Real Madrid refused to even turn up after learning hours in advance that Rodri had beaten Vinicius Jr to the men's prize.

If the voting process for the Ballon d'Or were truly fair, Lionel Messi would have 14 Golden Balls to his name instead of eight. The Barcelona legend was by far the best footballer in the world between 2008 and 2021, but had to concede defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo five times, and Luka Modric once, as the Real Madrid duo were rewarded for spearheading their team's unprecedented success in the Champions League.

If you thought the days of the Ballon d'Or generating headlines were over after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's era of dominance came to an end, then think again. After one of the most closely-fought races for a number of years, Rodri came out on top in 2024, beating Vinicius Jr into second place as Real Madrid dramatically boycotted the ceremony in Paris in protest at their star player missing out.

The esteemed Golden Ball has been elusive to so many great footballers down the years, but who deserved it the most?