Ballon d’Or

JUDE BELLINGHAM’S El Clasico heroics have put him in pole position to take home football’s most prestigious individual prize.The England star all but wrapped up a 36th La Liga title for Los Blancos when he prodded home a 91st minute winner against fierce rivals Barcelona on Sunday night.Jude Bellingham popped up with yet another crucial goal for Real Madrid last nightCredit: GettyReal Madrid are now 11 points clear of the Catalan club with just six games left to play before the league campaign reaches its conclusion.And that is in no small part thanks to the work of Bellingham and his sensational debut season in Spain.The 20-year-old arrived at Madrid from Borussia Dortmund this summer in a deal worth £115m and he’s looked like a bargain despite the eye-watering price tag.In his 36 appearances across all competitions this term he had found the net an astounding 21 times and assisted another 10 goals too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs well as cruising towards a league title, he has helped Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid team book a place in the Champions League semi-final where they face Bayern Munich.His jaw-dropping season has led to him now being listed as the FAVOURITE to win the Ballon d’Or this year.William Hill have Bellingham as 5/2 to win the prestigious award and become the first Englishman to be honoured with the trophy since Michael Owen in 2001.He’s ahead of some world class stars that will have to up their game if they are to catch up with Bellingham who virtually has one hand on the award as things stand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKylian Mbappe is second favourite at 3/1 while England teammate Harry Kane is in third spot at 4/1.In fact England’s 23-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner has a great chance of coming to an end this year with Phil Foden also in the running for the trophy with his odds at 7/1.Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty winHis Man City teammates Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Rodri are also among the top 10 favourites to be bestowed with the honour despite being knocked out the the Champions League by Bellingham and his Madrid team.With almost everyone who is tussling for the award likely to win a major club trophy this season, the deciding factor could be this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament.Bellingham, Foden and Kane will be crucial cogs in Gareth Southgate’s England side in Germany while Rodri and Mbappe will be representing Spain and France respectively.Stars such as Vinicuis Jr and Lionel Messi – who are also in the running – will have to hope they can pull off some magic in the US this summer for the Copa America.While Mohamed Salah, another competitor for the award, failed to win any international silverware this season when Egypt were eliminated from Afcon in the last 16 after the winger picked up an injury.Phil Foden is the fourth favourite in the running for the Ballon d’Or thanks to a superb season at Man CityCredit: GettyHarry Kane’s goalscoring has put him in a good spot to win the individual awardCredit: Getty More

LIONEL MESSI snubbed Jude Bellingham when naming which players could one day win the Ballon d’Or.The superstar has won the award more than any other player with eight, and is the current holder after his World Cup heroics.Lionel Messi snubbed Jude Bellingham when naming potential Ballon d’Or winnersCredit: GettyMessi named four candidatesCredit: GettyBellingham has been in fine form this seasonHe believes there are several players who could challenge for the Ballon d’Or in the future, and argued a rivalry could form in the next few years between three players.But Messi did not consider Bellingham when listing potential candidates, despite his impressive campaign for Real Madrid.He said in an interview with L’Equipe: “The players to compete for the Ballon d’Or in the coming years? “There may be a very beautiful rivalry in the coming years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, Vinicius and many young players competing for the Ballon d’Or.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I also think that Lamine Yamal, who is still very young and now plays for Barcelona, ​​will play a prominent role and fight for it in the future too.”Certainly there will be others competing for it, new players that we do not know will appear, because there are always new players, and I think it will be a very beautiful era to enjoy.”Bellingham, 20, has 21 goals and nine assists for club and country this season, snatching England’s last minute equaliser against Belgium in his last game.He looks set to win his first league title this season too with Real Madrid eight points clear at the top of LaLiga.Most read in FootballErling Haaland was the Ballon d’Or runner-up last yearMessi believes Lamine Yamal has a bright futureBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile success in the Champions League and Euro 2024 could make Bellingham a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or.However he will certainly have his challengers, including last year’s runner-up Erling Haaland.Kylian Mbappe often finishes in the Ballon d’Or top threeVinicius Jr has had an excellent campaignVinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss More

LIONEL MESSI is still keeping ties with Barcelona despite his new venture in the MLS.The global superstar has reportedly donated his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy to the Barcelona Museum.
Lionel Messi has reportedly donated his eighth Ballon d’Or to the Barcelona MuseumCredit: AFP
A video showed the trophy on displayCredit: X@BlazquezFont
It looked to be sat next to his other seven trophiesCredit: X@BlazquezFont
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or more times than any other player and picked up seven of his eight trophies while playing for Barcelona.
The 36-year-old gifted those seven trophies to his boyhood club who display them inside their museum in the Spanish city.
But despite winning his eighth award while playing for Paris Saint Germain and Inter Miami, it’s claimed Messi has donated the trophy to Barcelona.
A video online appears to show his latest achievement displayed alongside his other trophies inside the museum.
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With respected Spanish journalist Miquel Blazquez reporting that Messi has given the award up for his old club to put on show.
However some fans are claiming that the award is actually that of current Barcelona Femeni star and Women’s Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.
Others have suggested that if it is a gesture from Messi then it is the perfect example of his love for the club where he made almost 800 appearances.
One wrote: “Am I the only one who thinks that calling Messi a legend is an understatement?”
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While another added: “He loves Barcelona with all his heart!”
A third chimed in writing: “It is confirmed that Leo Messi does everything well! GOAT!”
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And a fourth joked that the club should rename the Camp Nou after the star.
They wrote: “I’m just waiting for the day that the stadium is named Camp Messi for everything he represents for the club and the history of football.”
Messi won seven Ballon d’Or awards as a Barcelona playerCredit: Reuters
Some have claimed the new arrival in the museum is actually the Ballon d’Or won by Aitana BonmatiCredit: AP More

CRISTIANO RONALDO claims that awards are “losing credibility” after being snubbed by the Ballon d’Or and Fifa’s The Best.The former Manchester United star left top level football to join Al-Nassr at the start of 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo spent time in Dubai earlier this weekCredit: AP
Ronaldo, 38, has been playing in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: Getty
Ronaldo, 38, subsequently scored for fun in the Saudi Pro League, netting 54 goals in 2023.
With his efforts coming at a lower level, Ronaldo was not named on the 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, which was won for an eighth time by Lionel Messi.
While he also failed to make The Best awards’ men’s player of the year shortlist.
He did appear at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai this week, where he picked up fans’ favourite player of the year, best middle east player and best goal scorer gongs.
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During a lengthy interview with Portuguese paper Record, Ronaldo bemoaned his Ballon d’Or and Best Awards snubs.
He said: “I think that, in a way, these awards are losing credibility. We have to analyse the entire season.
“It’s not to say that Messi didn’t deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe. I simply no longer believe in these awards.
“And it’s not because I won at Globe Soccer. But there are facts, there are numbers. And the numbers don’t deceive.
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“They can’t take this trophy away from me because it’s a reality. So it makes me even happier, because the numbers are facts.”
The former Real Madrid star, who has won five Ballons d’Or, then added: “We know how other organisms work.
“Obviously, I always think about my club and the national team first.
“The awards come after a good season for the club and the national team. I don’t think about it much, honestly.
“As you said, well, the 54 goals I scored, there may be those who say it’s easier because I’m in Saudi Arabia. But football professionals know that it is difficult to score goals, whether in Saudi Arabia or in Italy, Spain or Portugal.
“A goal is a goal. In a way, I feel even more proud to have beaten Haaland, Mbappe and Kane.”
At the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo called himself the world’s best goalscorer, saying: “I was the best goalscorer this season.
“Imagine beating young animals like Haaland… I’m proud. And I’ll be 39 soon!
“I like when people doubt me again and then I’m successful. I don’t get affected by the criticism.”
As the television feed cut to Haaland in the crowd, the Manchester City star initially appeared stony faced, before breaking into a smirk.
Earlier this week Ronaldo bizarrely claimed that the Saudi Pro League is “not worse than Ligue 1” – in what appeared to be a dig at former PSG star Messi.
He said: “Saudi Pro League is more competitive than Ligue 1, I can say that after one year spent there. We are better than the French league already now.”
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Ronaldo was subsequently mocked by airline Ryanair, who posted: “Finally, someone funnier than us.” More

FABIO PAIM insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram dig is a POSITIVE as he looks forward to being reunited with his old team-mate.Ronaldo famously admitted Paim is the only player better than him when he joined Manchester United after the pair came through the Sporting academy together.
Fabio Paim responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram messageCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
The ex-Sporting star had jokingly asked for one of Ronaldo’s five Ballons d’OrCredit: AFP
Ronaldo asked ‘who is this guy’ in an Instagram commentCredit: Instagram
But they took very different paths as Ronaldo won five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues and led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
Paim, though, earned £6,500 per week at 13 but saw his career fizzle out thanks to the money, fame and partying lifestyle.
And it hit rock bottom when Paim was put behind bars for a year on drug trafficking charges – and watched his old pal training with Portugal from his prison window.
Paim, 35, joked in his exclusive interview with SunSport that his old McDonald’s loving pal should give him one of his Ballons d’Or after failing to hit the world-class heights many expected because he didn’t have the same mentality as the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend.
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But Ronaldo, 38, cheekily commented on Instagram: “Wtf. 👀👀👀 who is this guy?”
However, Paim believes the veteran forward is simply messing around – and the playful quip has helped bring the former footballer back into the public limelight again.
He told SunSport: “I don’t want to make this longer but I don’t think what Cristiano said was serious, it was a joke. 
“But it has had a good impact – people are talking about our relationship. 
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“Ronaldo is helping me as people talk about me. 
“We played together, we were friends, we have nothing against each other. 
“I am such a big fan of Ronaldo. It is all good. Ronaldo is trying to help me.”
Asked if he wants to see Ronaldo again, 20 years after their time as team-mates, Paim added: “Yes and I think it is going to happen soon. Due to all this attention, we will probably meet up.”
Wrapped up in leggings, a big club winter coat and gloves on an icy winter afternoon, Paim seems a long way from his Algarve home.
He made his first visit back to Blighty since his difficult loan spell at Chelsea in 2008-09, invited by Barking FC to speak to the club’s Under-18s about his own career, mistakes and the lessons he wants others to learn from him.
And despite the freezing temperatures, the flamboyant Portuguese received a warm welcome.
Speaking at Barking’s Lawtech Stadium, Paim said: “This is a chance for me to be involved in a project with the younger generation of footballers, teaching them lessons for life. It’s important. I want to help other people not to fail.
I’ve had more fun in 24 hours here than in my whole time at ChelseaFabio Paim
“When I was at Sporting’s academy, I did not have the support to tell me what is right and wrong. I am happy to be the example to help the kids.
“I’ve had more fun in 24 hours here than in my whole time at Chelsea. It’s not about the money, it’s about being with friends and family.
“In 2008, I was in one of the top teams in England but the reception was not as welcoming. 
“This time I feel a lot better and confident because it’s a family environment with my auntie and uncle now living in Dagenham.”
As well as talking to the club’s academy stars, Paim helped Under-18s manager Armenio Anjos – who had Jose Mourinho has his school PE teacher – take a training session after being presented with a personalised Barking shirt and signed ball by chairman Rob O’Brien. 
The Blues’ men’s senior team compete in Step 5’s Essex Senior Football League and they now have 26 teams across men’s, women’s and youth football – plus run a scholarship programme.
O’Brien joined the club 15 years ago as a short-term stop-gap to coach the reserves and is still at Mayesbrook Park now.
The former non-league player and design engineer added: “I’m like the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, we’re quite a small unit and helped by lots of great volunteers. 
Paim told SunSport about life growing up with RonaldoCredit: SunSport
The former footballer, third right, shined for Portugal at youth levelCredit: Fabio Paim
He was paid a whopping £6,500 per week when he was just 13Credit: Fabio Paim
Paim believes he could have won the Ballon d’OrCredit: Fabio Paim
He spent a year in prison on drug trafficking chargesCredit: Fabio Paim
Paim was able to watch Ronaldo train with Portugal through the window
Ronaldo has gone on to become one of the greatest players of all timeCredit: AFP or licensors
“I’m proud of this association with Fabio. I wasn’t his style. Fabio had massive talent and didn’t work. I was the one he’s talking about now: I didn’t have much talent but I worked hard and played until 45. 
“I played in a youth team with players who were at professional clubs but I wasn’t. I played every day and developed to the point where I surpassed them. As Fabio is saying, talent can be small but effort must be really big. 
“He is a great guy – very open, very humbled. I like that. A lot of footballers get discredited as cocky but he is a really nice, laidback guy and I really appreciate him coming here especially as some of the scholars have Portuguese origin. It’s been a pleasure.”
Barking has produced a plethora of English talents through the decades – Jack Leslie and World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore both played for the club while John Terry was part of the Barking and Dagenham schools team. 
The men’s first team regularly have a few hundred fans watching their games – helped when they coincide with nearby West Ham being away. 
And while O’Brien recognises their league status and current clubhouse may not attract much attention, he is well aware of the positive impact Barking FC continues to have after 143 years.
He added: “I’m proudest about what we stand for, we serve the community. 
“Barking FC: working for the better future for all in our community. That’s our slogan.
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“The biggest change is financing the astroturf pitch, creating a great hub in the area. We didn’t get much support – about ten per cent – but spent more than £500,000. 
“We like to develop good young citizens so they enjoy it here but know how to behave in society as well as football. Respect is on and off the football pitch.”
Paim visited Barking FC where he talked to the youth team about his careerCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
Paim with chairman Rob O’Brien, left, and Under-18s coach Armenio AnjosCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
He was presented with a signed ball and a personalised shirtCredit: Joshua Jones / SunSport
Paim is confident he will be reunited with old friend Ronaldo soonCredit: Getty More

MICHAEL OWEN claims he was NOT the best player in the world when he won the Ballon d’Or.Premier League legend Owen became just the fourth Englishman to land the prestigious award when he was crowned the globe’s top footballer in 2001.
Michael Owen became the fourth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or in 2001Credit: Offside – L’Equipe
Owen reckons there were better players around despite his incredible goal and trophy haul for LiverpoolCredit: PA:Press Association
At the time, Owen had become a superstar at boyhood club Liverpool.
He scored 28 goals in 43 games as the Reds completed an FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble.
And having netted 58 times in the previous three campaigns, Owen was voted top of the pile ahead of Real Madrid striker Raul and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
But Owen, who ended with 158 goals for Liverpool before scoring at Real, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke, reckons he was not a worthy recipient.
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Having seen Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan all win before him, Owen was certainly in fine company.
Yet he feels there were other players around at the time who had enjoyed better campaigns.
Owen, who won the Premier League title in 2011 with United and is now a pundit, told William Hill’s podcast Up Front with Simon Jordan: “I wasn’t the best player in the world when I won the Ballon d’Or.
“But in a sense I was. Realistically I knew I wasn’t the best in the world. 
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Owen now works as a football punditCredit: Reuters
“You had the likes of Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane playing at that time – there were better players than me. 
“However, when I stepped on the pitch I felt like I was the best. 
“But when I sit here today, I know that there were better players than me at the time.
“I think footballers were more pure back in the day. 
“Now you have to be an athlete, you have to be able to run, you have to be big and you have to be fast. 
“If Matt Le Tissier, one of the most gifted players of our time, were playing today, would he even get into a team?”
Stanley Matthews won the Ballon d’Or in 1956Credit: PA
Bobby Charlton won it in 1966Credit: PA
Kevin Keegan was crowned king in 1978 and 1979Credit: Getty More

NAPOLI’S old training ground is set to be revived after being abandoned for decades.Centro Paradiso was once home to Diego Maradona but is now overgrown years on from its heyday.
Napoli’s old training ground has been left abandoned and overgrownCredit: Getty
Centro Paradiso has been left to rot over the last 19 yearsCredit: Getty
Napoli left the site in 2004 after going bankruptCredit: Getty
However, Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro is now set to revive the training base.
The former Italy captain has purchased the land the site is built on and has big plans for Paradiso.
“Now I can say it, the gates of the Centro Paradiso will open up again,” he told news agency Ansa.
“I had been trying for 15 years. The plan is to get the pitch back in shape, set up a soccer school and get the local kids playing football. It makes me very happy.”
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Cannavaro grew up in Naples and was a part of the club’s academy alongside his brother Paolo.
He went onto make 68 appearances for Napoli before spells with Parma, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid during an illustrious career.
The former defender also captained his country to their fourth World Cup in 2006, before becoming the last defender to win the Ballon d’Or later that year.
His next target is to renovate Centro Paradiso, which was opened in 1975 and hosted the likes of Maradona during the 1980s.
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Paradiso was home to Diego Maradona during the 1980sCredit: Getty
Fabio Cannavaro now plans to revive the site after purchasing the landCredit: Getty
The Napoli icon won two league titles and the UEFA Cup during seven years with the club and a mural of him and daughter Dalma still dons the walls at the training ground.
Paradiso has been abandoned since the old Napoli went bankrupt in 2004, with Aurelio De Laurentiis forming a new club.
Partenopei have since risen back to the top of the Italian game and won Serie A for the first time since 1990 last season.
A mural of Maradona and his daughter still dons the walls of ParadisoCredit: Getty
Former Napoli defender Cannavaro has big plans for the training groundCredit: Getty More