The Ballon d'Or, a prestigious individual award in football, has been claimed by legends of the sport. Recent discussions and news items provide insights into potential future contenders and past influences.

Manchester City is reportedly planning for the departure of Kevin De Bruyne and considering a midfielder tipped for Ballon d'Or success as a replacement. The timeline suggests this transition may occur at the end of the current season. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's influence extends beyond his on-field performances. Kevin Prince Boateng, a former Barcelona midfielder, suggested that Messi's example wasn't always ideal for younger players, implying that his unique style might not be easily replicable or beneficial for developing talents. Despite this, Messi continues to achieve milestones, with the potential to break another Inter Miami goalscoring record. However, his playing time may be limited in certain matches, such as those leading up to the Concacaf Champions Cup, prioritizing strategic games.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to make headlines, matching a feat he had only failed to achieve twice in 17 years, showcasing his enduring prowess. Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. expressed admiration for Ronaldo, referring to him as "our very own idol" after a standout display in a match against Al-Hilal. In other transfer news, Liverpool is reportedly in serious contention to sign Lille forward Jonathan David, with talks underway. Simultaneously, Chelsea has been placed on red alert as Manchester United considers selling Kobbie Mainoo for a reported €50 million.

Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his move from PSG to Real Madrid, acknowledging the difficulty of leaving PSG but crediting Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for his role in convincing him to make the move. Mbappe emphasized Perez's patience, especially after two previous attempts to secure his transfer had fallen through.