All articles tagged with #ballon dor
From a 16-year-old who did homework between Euro 2024 matches, Lamine Yamal has become a global star for Spain and Barcelona, blending blockbuster endorsements (Adidas campaigns, UNICEF ambassador) with elite on-field output. After a hamstring scare, he’s been carefully managed for the World Cup and now anchors Spain’s attack as football fans anticipate an even bigger leap for his already rapid rise.
The article reflects on the 69th Ballon d'Or ceremony, highlighting its superficiality and spectacle, but ultimately celebrates Ousmane Dembélé's victory as a human and sporting triumph that embodies resilience, humility, and the enduring human qualities within the commercialized world of football.
Ousmane Dembele of PSG and Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona won the men's and women's Ballon d'Or awards, respectively, with Bonmati making history as the first woman to win three consecutive awards and Dembele securing his first. The ceremony celebrated their achievements amid other football honors and recognitions.
Ousmane Dembele of PSG and France won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, his first time receiving the award, after leading PSG to a UEFA Champions League victory; he beat Lamine Yamal and was emotional during his acceptance speech.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain won his first Ballon d'Or, recognizing him as the world's best player, after a standout season where he scored 35 goals and helped PSG secure a treble, including their first Champions League title. The award ceremony also celebrated other football achievements, including Lamine Yamal winning the Kopa Trophy and Luis Enrique being named best coach.
The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris features first-time winners and intense competition, with PSG's Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal vying for the men's award, while the women's category remains open with several contenders. Various other awards are also being presented, highlighting emerging talents and coaching excellence.
Lionel Messi celebrated his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy with Inter Miami fans before a friendly match against NYCFC. He thanked the fans for their support and expressed his excitement for the club's future. Despite missing a couple of chances, Messi started in Inter Miami's lineup. The match was broadcast on Apple TV. In a conversation with Zinedine Zidane, Messi was praised as "pure magic." It was uncertain if Messi would play the full 90 minutes, but he did play in the match. The friendly served as a tribute to Messi's Ballon d'Or award, with a pregame ceremony honoring him. Messi will now join the Argentine national team for World Cup qualifying matches.
Inter Miami CF will host a historic event, Noche d'Or, on Nov. 10, where Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or will be presented to fans before a friendly match against New York City FC. Season ticket members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets, and the event will be broadcasted live on Apple TV. The festivities will include speeches from Messi, the team captain, as well as the club's owner and the MLS commissioner. After the match, there will be a celebratory after-party. This event will also serve as Inter Miami's preparation for the upcoming 2024 season.
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for a record eighth time, becoming the first MLS-based player to claim the award. The Inter Miami CF star beat out competition from Manchester City's Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup. Messi's triumph comes largely on the back of his performances with his country in Qatar, where he scored seven goals and assisted three more. Haaland finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy for best striker of the year.
Lionel Messi wins his eighth Ballon d'Or, becoming the best male footballer in the world once again. This achievement is particularly special as it celebrates Argentina's World Cup triumph and solidifies Messi's status as one of the greatest players of all time. Messi's presence in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami has generated excitement and interest in American soccer, potentially paving the way for the sport to gain more popularity in the United States.
Lionel Messi has been nominated for the 2023 Best FIFA Men's Player award, marking his third nomination after winning the prestigious title in 2019 and 2022. The award recognizes achievements from December 2022 to August 2023 and includes a fan voting element. Messi, who recently joined Inter Miami CF, is recognized for his contributions to winning the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain and captaining Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. He is joined by fellow FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the nominations.
Lionel Messi aims to win the U.S. Open Cup with Inter Miami, potentially becoming the second Ballon d'Or winner to achieve this feat. Despite the team's struggle to secure a playoff berth in Major League Soccer, Messi and his teammates have already won the Leagues Cup and are now targeting the U.S. Open Cup title. Previous Ballon d'Or winners Kaka, Lothar Matthaus, and Hristo Stoichkov have also competed in the competition, with Stoichkov being the only one to win it.
Lionel Messi held his first press conference since joining Inter Miami, expressing his happiness and excitement about playing for the club. He discussed the team's success in the Leagues Cup and the quality of their opponents, emphasizing the growth of MLS teams. Messi also highlighted the warm reception he has received in South Florida and his adaptation to the physical demands of playing in the region. He downplayed the importance of winning the Ballon d'Or and emphasized his focus on helping Inter Miami win titles. Winning the Leagues Cup would be a significant achievement for the club and mark Messi's 41st team trophy in his career.
Karim Benzema bid farewell to Real Madrid after 13 years and 353 goals, leaving for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The Ballon d'Or holder, who was voted the best player on the planet less than nine months ago, leaves with 25 winners' medals and a legacy as one of the best players in Real Madrid's history. Benzema was a quiet but successful player, who helped others score goals and adapted his style to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. He leaves Real Madrid as a footballer, not just a forward.
Karim Benzema's departure from Real Madrid marks the end of a 14-year career in which he became the club's second top scorer of all-time with 354 goals in 648 games. Benzema's impact at Madrid goes beyond the numbers, as he is remembered for his artistry and crucial goals. He underwent a physical and mental transformation to become an undisputed Madrid legend, overcoming early struggles, criticism from Jose Mourinho, and playing second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo. Benzema's Ballon d'Or win in 2022 was the culmination of years of excellence for the Spanish giants.