Ballon d'Or

Chelsea new boy Joao Pedro has revealed his dream of one day winning the Ballon d’Or, while explaining why he turned down a move to Newcastle. The 23-year-old has scored five goals in his first five starts for Chelsea to quickly become a key figure under Enzo Maresca.

Jules Kounde hopes the "best man wins" the Ballon d'Or when asked to pick between France team-mate Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona co-star Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has admitted he is "hoping" to win the Ballon d'Or at the 2025 ceremony later this month. The 18-year-old has been nominated for the prestigious award alongside Barcelona team-mates Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Jules Kounde has tipped Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Ousmane Dembele and admitted he wants to win the Champions League.

Gerard Deulofeu has hailed Lamine Yamal as the game's finest creator and insists the 18-year-old already merits Ballon d’Or recognition.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has admitted he is still haunted by his Ballon d’Or disappointment at Bayern Munich. The Poland international was favourite for the 2020 award before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then came second to Lionel Messi in the vote the following year.

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to be drawn into another Ballon d'Or debate, branding the prestigious accolade "fictitious".

Barcelona star Pedri has paid tribute to Jude Bellingham after both midfielders received nominations for the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Steven Gerrard insists his former Liverpool and England team-mate Michael Owen was better than Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal as a teenager.

The shortlist for world football's most prestigious individual award has been revealed ahead of the ceremony in Paris on September 22

Emi Martinez is looking to complete a hat-trick of Yashin Trophy wins, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson and Hannah Hampton earning nominations.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique are among the prominent nominees for the Johan Cruyff awards that will be given away at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Both Chelsea coaches, Enzo Maresca and Sonia Bompastor, have been nominated as well, along with Barcelona's Hansi Flick, who inspired the Blaugranas to a domestic treble.

Lamine Yamal, Desire Doue and Michelle Agyemang are among the nominees for the prestigious Kopa Trophy awards up for grabs at the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United star Amad Diallo has seemingly offered some insight into his Ballon d'Or dreams with his latest social media activity.

Gavi is super confident about his team-mate Lamine Yamal ending his career with many Ballons d'Or, emphasising that he's improving every day.

Paul Pogba has thrown his support behind his former team-mate Osmane Dembele as the Ballon d'Or race intensifies, backing him over Lamine Yamal.

Cole Palmer has been told he does not sit alongside Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane in the world’s top 10 and is not a serious Ballon d’Or contender.

Gael Clichy has made his Ballon d'Or preference clear, tipping Ousmane Dembele to win the prize after his stunning season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale has joined in on the Ballon d'Or discussion and believes his pick for the accolade is the favourite "by some way".

Real Madrid legend Claude Makelele has picked another top contender for the Ballon d'Or over Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been branded a “PlayStation” footballer and backed to break Lionel Messi’s record of eight Ballon d’Or triumphs.

Chelsea-bound winger Estevao Willian hopes to battle for Ballon d'Or glory against Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono in the future.

Barcelona icon Hristo Stoichkov hails Lamine Yamal as the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or but says he faces competition from Paris Saint-Germain.

Kylian Mbappe's former team-mate Sergio Ramos backs the Real Madrid star to clinch the Ballon d'Or this year ahead of more favourable candidates.

Rayan Cherki has laid out his ambitions after joining Manchester City and has set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or.

Legendary Barcelona defender heaped praise on both Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal and spoke his mind on who he would pick to win the Ballon d'Or.

Ousmane Dembele has his eyes on winning the Ballon d'Or after an incredible season with Paris Saint-Germain in 2024-25.

Shay Given has jokingly explained why Rodri should beat the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal to back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins.

Roberto Martinez hailed Lamine Yamal as 'the best at his poisition', but ranked two Portuguese players above the Barcelona star for the Ballon d'Or.