The Ballon d’Or remains football’s most coveted individual prize, a level of prestige that only a select few ever reach. Among today’s elite performers, several active stars appear destined to eventually lift France Football’s golden trophy.

Chelsea could have had one of the best in the world, and not just once, but twice. While several Ballon d’Or winners have passed through Stamford Bridge over the years, none of them picked up the award while wearing a Chelsea shirt.

RaphinhaAtlético Madrid suffered a defeat on Tuesday night against Raphinha’s FC Barcelona. Diego Simeone was captivated by the Brazilian international’s performance.FC Barcelona secured a 3-1

Kylian Mbappé as the Ballon d'Or 2026 winner? Wesley Sneijder certainly thinks so.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland is surely preparing a response against Leeds after Kylian Mbappe took a stranglehold on the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Dismissing Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, Atletico Madrid legendary head coach Diego Simeone addressed who should've been the true winner of the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Germain boss Luis Enrique lavished praise on "world class" Vitinha as the Portuguese midfielder delivered one of the standout Champions League performances of the season in their 5-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea have been among European football's biggest spenders for much of the 21st century but one failed deal more than a decade ago could be the one that got away

Simeone – who does not hold a Ballon d’Or vote – claimed that Raphinha, widely regarded as one of the best players in world football, deserved to be handed the award by Barcelona royalty Ronaldinho (the worthy recipient in 2005) earlier this year. Speaking in the aftermath of their defeat, he said:

“I love him [Raphinha],” Simeone told Movistar Plus+. “He plays everywhere. He plays as a winger, wingback, on the wing, as a second striker, he scores goals, he presses. He’s a player that, last year, I don’t know how he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or .”

Kylian MbappéKylian Mbappé as the Ballon d'Or 2026 winner? Wesley Sneijder certainly thinks so.This season, Kylian Mbappé is putting up impressive individual numbers. The former PSG star has

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Sunderland at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT). Guardiola says Rodri is not available but is "getting better".