Super Cup - Generale

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 one year on.

Diego Simeone has found himself at the centre of a post-match firestorm after his touchline conduct during Atletico Madrid's 1-1 draw with Arsenal was labelled "atrocious". The Argentine tactician was accused of exerting undue influence over referee Danny Makkelie during a pivotal VAR review that saw the Gunners denied a second-half penalty.

Antoine Griezmann has opened up on a highly emotional night at the Metropolitano, with the touching reason behind his decision to turn away during the Champions League anthem having been revealed. The French superstar was the standout performer in Atletico Madrid's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, but his focus was as much on the stands as it was on the pitch during his European home farewell.

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.