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 was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
We are now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams having made their way to North America with dreams of glory driving them. All of the pre-qualifying favourites made it safely through, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.
Paris Saint-Germain have done it again! A club once derided as the biggest bottlers in the Champions League showed their mettle by edging out Arsenal 4-3 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in Budapest, to deservedly retain their European crown on Saturday. Unlike last year's rout of Inter, PSG had to dig deep to defeat the Gunners, who proved an unsurprisingly tough nut to crack after taking an early lead through Kai Havertz following a fortuitous break of the ball.
Saturday's eagerly-awaited Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest is the classic clash of styles. Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded fewer goals (six) and kept more clean sheets (nine) than anyone else. The big question is, though, will Mikel Arteta's men be able to contain one of the most talented attacking teams in European football history?
During a recent episode of the Kroos brothers' podcast, 'Einfach mal Luppen', Felix revealed that while making notes during the second leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, he jotted down the words "Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ballon d'Or." Toni admitted that he was just as big a fan of the Georgian, but added there was just one problem: "He won't be a world champion."
The European football season is almost over. Just one game remains - the Champions League final, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to do battle in Budapest on Saturday. Both sides come into the game having won their own domestic titles, with PSG looking to defend the crown they won for the first time last season, while the Gunners are aiming to secure their first European Cup.
John Arne Riise has told GOAL that Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would be “unbelievable” signings for Liverpool, but the former Reds defender doubts that “big” money is available for such elaborate transfers. Recruitment records were smashed at Anfield during the summer of 2025, meaning that more budget-friendly targets may need to be identified 12 months on.
Arsenal find themselves short on right-back options heading towards the Champions League final, with Ray Parlour admitting to GOAL that is a “worry” given the considerable threat that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will pose. The Gunners are set to face Paris Saint-Germain - the reigning kings of Europe - on May 30, but how will they solve their defensive issues and contain one of the best wingers in the business?
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia delivered impressive performances against FC Bayern. Now, Felix Kroos is calling for the Georgian to be awarded the game's top individual honour.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
