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The Ballon d’Or has a narrow definition of footballing greatness
Celebrity, bias towards players in attack and European dominance undermine football’s most prestigious individual award.
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Abhishek Sharma hits ton as India beat New Zealand by 6 wickets in 3rd T20
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Harry Kane ends England's 25-year Ballon d'Or drought, Putellas wins third crown
Harry Kane became the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season. Spain’s Alexia Putellas claimed her third women’s award after helping Barcelona win the Champions League, ending teammate Aitana Bonmati’s three-year reign.
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England’s Harry Kane wins Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas takes women’s award
Bayern Munich striker becomes the first Englishman to win the prestigious award in 25 years, after Michael Owen in 2001.
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Ballon d'Or winner? Kane's best Bundesliga goals
With the 2026 Ballon d'Or just around the corner, BBC Sport looks back at some of Harry Kane's best goals in a Bayern Munich shirt.
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England’s Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or – as it happened
All the updates as Kane becomes England's first Ballon d'Or winner in 25 years after a prolific season.
World
Who should win the Men's Balloon? BBC Sport experts give their opinion
The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced Monday in London – but who will win this prestigious award?
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Pakistan came back from 154-9 to beat England by one wicket, thanks to a historic innings by all-rounder Shadab Khan.
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Mbappé, Kane and Yamal top favourites list in wide open 2026 Ballon d’Or race
French forward Kylian Mbappé, England captain Harry Kane and Spain's Lamine Yamal are among the favourites to be crowned the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at a ceremony to be hosted Monday for the first time in England in recognition of the first winner Stanley Matthews.
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Paris welcomes first NFL game with a party a day after protests
The Stade de France near Paris made history Sunday when it hosted the first regular-season NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints in a festive atmosphere a day after police clashed with demonstrators across France. While security issues dominated the headlines in the leadup to the game, the mood at the stadium was joyous with half-time shows including a rap performance.
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Who should win the men's Ballon d'Or? BBC Sport pundits have their say
The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced in London on Monday - but who is going to claim the showpiece award?