V-League Qualification Overview

Atletico Madrid have identified PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in as a key summer target as Diego Simeone looks to add more creativity to his squad. The South Korea international is reportedly keen on a return to Spain, while PSG are prepared to listen to offers if their €35 million (£30m/$40m) valuation is met.

Somali official Omar Artan has been handed a high-profile return to the global stage after being appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. The 34-year-old has been at the centre of a diplomatic storm after being refused entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup.

Monaco rising star Maghnes Akliouche has officially opened the door to a high-profile move this summer, acknowledging that his time at the Stade Louis II is likely coming to an end. The 24-year-old playmaker has been heavily linked with European heavyweights PSG and Liverpool following a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.

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.