Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for a Spanish player to lift the Ballon d'Or this year while tipping teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to claim the individual prize before long. Speaking ahead of next month's Nations League clash against the Czech Republic, the 65-year-old also reflected on the international retirement of Marcos Llorente.
Lamine Yamal offered warm praise to former Barcelona manager Xavi following his appointment as Netherlands head coach. The 19-year-old winger joked that his former mentor can win every international match with the Dutch national team, except when facing Spain.
France Football has officially revealed the shortlist for the 2026 Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards, highlighting the tactical masterminds who defined the last season. The nominations for the Johan Cruyff Trophy are heavily dominated by Spanish talent, reflecting a golden era for the nation’s coaching exports across Europe’s top leagues.
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Alvaro Morata has insisted he is not closing the door on his international career after missing Spain's triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran forward admitted that fierce competition in attack makes a recall difficult but reflected warmly on watching his former team-mates lift the trophy following a candid phone call from Luis de la Fuente.
Fabian Ruiz has set his sights on the Ballon d'Or following an extraordinary, trophy-laden campaign for both club and country in 2026. The Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder believes that claiming football's premier individual accolade would represent the ultimate honour after securing the Champions League and World Cup titles within a matter of months.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has shocked the footballing world by announcing his immediate retirement from international football. Despite being just 31 years old and coming off the back of a historic World Cup victory, the versatile midfielder has decided to hang up his boots for La Roja.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has thrown his full support behind Barcelona midfielder Rodri to secure the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The league chief believes the Spaniard’s heroic efforts during the recent World Cup have made him the clear frontrunner for football's most prestigious individual accolade.
Spain
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