Tag: Ballon d’Or

Pogba Says Fernandes Would Be Ballon d’Or Contender at Manchester City

Paul Pogba
April 2026

Paul Pogba says Bruno Fernandes would be in Ballon d’Or contention if he were playing for Manchester City instead of Manchester United. Pogba argued that Fernandes already produces elite output, but individual recognition follows team success. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Pogba said Fernandes is being held back by United’s environment rather than his own level. His point was that players in winning systems receive far more global recognition than equally productive players in unstable teams.

Dembele crowned world’s best to cap PSG’s historic Champions League year

Ousmane Dembele
December 2025

Dembele was named Best Male Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, completing a clean sweep of 2025 honours after also winning the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s Best men’s award. His 35-goal 2024-25 season powered PSG to their first ever Champions League title in dominant fashion. The winger finally delivered on long-hyped potential, driving PSG through a ruthless knockout run that included three Premier League scalps before a 5-0 demolition of Inter in the final. Although injuries have disrupted his current campaign, his peak level over the last year convinced voters he was the outstanding player in world football.

Mbappé told Real Madrid move still isn’t enough for Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
October 2025

After a 44-goal debut Madrid season yielding the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup, Mbappé was warned he’s “missing something” for the Ballon d’Or. With Dembélé crowned 2025 winner, scrutiny centres on marquee trophies and decisive performances deep in Europe. Becoming Madrid’s difference-maker in La Liga and Champions League knockout crunches remains the perceived step separating greatness from ultimate recognition.

Giroud Explains Dembele’s Ballon d’Or Rise

Olivier Giroud (France)
September 2025


Olivier Giroud admitted he never foresaw Ousmane Dembele winning the Ballon d’Or, despite his talent. Dembele’s resurgence at PSG, capped by 35 goals and a Champions League triumph, convinced critics he deserved football’s top individual honor after years of struggles at Barcelona. Giroud highlighted that Ballon d’Or winners need both talent and team success, noting Dembele’s form peaked at the right time with PSG’s historic quadruple. He called it a season where Dembele “had everything”—fitness, consistency, and trophies—that finally fulfilled his long-questioned potential.

POPULAR ARTICLES

© 2026 All Sports · All rights reserved.