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Who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or? Messi, Yamal, Kane -- or someone else?
There's no consensus pick for this year's Ballon d'Or -- but maybe there should be. Here's who actually deserves to win it.
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What it takes to win a Ballon d'Or: Trophies, goals and playing the PR game
It's no longer enough to be the best on-field player in order to have a shot at the Ballon d'Or, soccer's top individual prize. You have to make your case in the media, too -- and it takes a lot of work.
Can ESPN predict the Ballon d'Or? We simulated the voting process to find out
The Ballon d'Or awards are typically tough to predict, but can ESPN and our global resources do just that?
Who's to blame for Man United mess: Carrick, the players ... Ratcliffe?
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2026-27 Spanish LALIGA
It's time for El Clásico! All you need to know about Barça vs. Madrid, the biggest match in club soccer
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Yamal vs. Mbappé: Which Clásico star has the stronger claim to win the Ballon d'Or?
Mourinho made El Clásico unmissable. Now, he's back for more
Indian Super League
ISL 2026/27: East Bengal's Ake Loba grabs brace in 5-1 rout of Inter Kashi
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ISL Musings: East Bengal show champion's class, Mohun Bagan have their goals (and win), magician Alaaeddine is back
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2026-27 UEFA Europa League
Beware 'angry' Man United, Bournemouth boss warns
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Bournemouth fairytale condemns Amorim to another nightmare in England
Rose urges humility after Bournemouth rout Milan as Amorim rues red card
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
UCL stats: Paz youngest since Messi, Kane one behind Ronaldo
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MAN UNITED'S UNHAPPY CAMP
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Carrick hits back at Fernandes criticism after Como rout Man United
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Who is to blame at Manchester United?
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Man United players were abysmal in Como, but it's Carrick who faces consequences
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
WEDNESDAY'S FIXTURES
Champions League talking points: What to make of the Man Utd mess
Mbappé and Diomande delight, Vinícius Jr. whistled in Madrid win
Rice offers Arsenal hope: Star attackers might not be needed to win Champions League
MESSI - RONALDO WATCH
Lionel Messi scores vintage brace to make it 936; Cristiano Ronaldo hits 981, fined €255, 'let Man United down'
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Ronaldo misses penalty for Al Nassr in 1st game since Portugal suspension
Top Headlines
- Rooney: Bruno, Utd players acting like 'babies'
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- Sources: Under-fire Carrick to lead Man United on Sunday
- Guimarães: Sleepless nights over Arsenal move
- Declan Rice: Harry Kane 'deserves' Ballon d'Or
- Mourinho defends Vini after Madrid fans whistle
- Sources: Man United players get day off despite thrashing
- Leboeuf blasts Bruno Fernandes over 'betrayal'
- Saka forced off after 'sharp pain;' 'doesn't look good'
- Ten Hag: Former Utd legends could 'help club more'
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