Off-Pitch & Press

Enrique and Wiegman Land Top Coaching Prizes at Ballon d’Or

Luis Enrique (PSG), Sarina Wiegman (England)
September 2025

Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman were named Coaches of the Year at the Ballon d’Or gala. Enrique led PSG to a historic treble, while Wiegman guided England’s Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory, cementing her reputation as the most consistent coach in the women’s game. Enrique became just the second manager, alongside Pep Guardiola, to achieve the treble twice, having also done so with Barcelona. Wiegman, meanwhile, made history by reaching five consecutive major finals, proving her unmatched ability to sustain success at international level.

PSG and Arsenal Named Clubs of the Year at Ballon d’Or

Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal Women
September 2025

PSG were named Men’s Club of the Year after winning a historic quadruple under Luis Enrique, while Arsenal earned Women’s Club of the Year after dethroning Barcelona in the Champions League. The recognition underscored both clubs’ landmark achievements in Europe last season. PSG lifted the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophée des Champions, capping a record-breaking year. Arsenal, led by Renee Slegers, became the first English side to conquer the Women’s Champions League, cementing their status as Europe’s premier women’s team.

Gyokeres Crowned Best Striker with Gerd Muller Award

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal, Sweden)
September 2025

Arsenal’s summer signing Viktor Gyokeres won the Gerd Muller Award at the Ballon d’Or gala, sparking debate over his recognition as Europe’s best striker. His 54-goal haul with Sporting Lisbon and Sweden, plus domestic trophies, ensured he outshone more established names. Gyokeres delivered a prolific year, winning the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and player of the year honours before joining Arsenal. In his acceptance speech, he credited hunger and resilience, vowing to make new memories in London after dominating Portuguese and international football.

Dembele Beats Yamal to Ballon d’Or, Teen Wins Kopa Again

Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
September 2025

Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Ballon d’Or after inspiring PSG to a historic quadruple, edging out Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal. Though disappointed with second place, Yamal retained the Kopa Trophy, his father boldly insisting the top prize will be his next year. PSG’s treble-winning season, capped by a 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter, sealed Dembele’s triumph. Yamal congratulated his compatriot warmly but left Paris motivated, his dazzling rise already cementing him as a Ballon d’Or favourite for 2026 as Barcelona rebuild around him.

Amorim Pays Tribute to Mourinho, Reaffirms United Loyalty

Ruben Amorim (Manchester United)
September 2025

Ruben Amorim praised Jose Mourinho after his appointment as Benfica boss, calling him “the best Portuguese manager.” Amorim credited Mourinho for opening doors for Portuguese coaches but underlined Manchester United remains his only club amid speculation. Despite United’s mixed start, Amorim eased pressure with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, thanks to Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. He admitted Mourinho remains an inspiration but insisted his own focus is firmly on United’s project, brushing aside any talk of distraction or divided loyalty.

Bernardo Silva Claims Arsenal Had ‘Unfair Advantage’ in Draw

Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
September 2025

Bernardo Silva accused the Premier League of giving Arsenal an “unfair advantage” in scheduling after their 1-1 draw. He argued that Arsenal’s five-day rest compared to City’s two-and-a-half days created an uneven playing field in such a high-stakes match. Silva said fatigue was clear, citing injuries like Abdukodir Khusanov’s as examples of the toll. While he praised City’s resilience, he stressed recovery time was insufficient to perform at the top level, adding that even one extra day would have levelled conditions.

Neville Hails Donnarumma as City’s Schmeichel-Like Presence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
September 2025

Gary Neville praised Manchester City’s new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, calling him an “absolute animal” after his commanding performance in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Neville compared him to Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar for his dominance in the box. Neville argued Donnarumma offers presence and intimidation that rivals like David Raya and even Alisson cannot match. While mistakes will come, his ability to control his area and inspire confidence already makes him one of City’s most impactful signings this season.

Keane Blasts Guardiola’s ‘Tired’ Excuse After City Drop Points

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City)
September 2025

Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal left them ninth in the table, prompting Pep Guardiola to blame fatigue. Roy Keane was unimpressed, dismissing claims that players were “incredibly tired” so early in the campaign, just six games into the season. Gabriel Martinelli’s late equaliser extended City’s poor form, with only four points from the last 12 available. Guardiola cited Napoli’s midweek clash and travel demands, but critics argued that Chelsea faced similar schedules without faltering. City’s lowest-ever Guardiola possession figure added to their woes.

Rashford Benched for Lateness Despite Newcastle Heroics

Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)
September 2025

Marcus Rashford was dropped from Barcelona’s starting lineup against Getafe after arriving late to a team meeting, just days after scoring a stunning Champions League brace against Newcastle that reignited his reputation on Europe’s biggest stage. Manager Hansi Flick enforced strict punctuality rules, benching Rashford regardless of form. This echoes previous punishments for Jules Kounde, Inaki Peña, and Raphinha. Rashford now faces another battle to prove his professionalism and maintain momentum in his Barcelona loan spell.

Maresca Clarifies Garnacho Snub in Chelsea Defeat

Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
September 2025

Enzo Maresca denied leaving Alejandro Garnacho on the bench against Manchester United due to boos from home fans, instead citing an enforced change after Wesley Fofana requested substitution during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss. Garnacho, signed from United this summer for £40m, was preparing to enter but was blocked by injury substitutions. Maresca insisted he had every intention of using the winger despite the hostile reception at Old Trafford, dismissing speculation about crowd influence.

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