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O Palmeiras foi eliminado pelo Boca Juniors, na semifinal da Libertadores, no Allianz Parque. Assim, é natural que o torcedor tenha o desejo de mudanças para o próximo ano, já que estamos em outubro e 2023 já está quase acabando. No entanto, o planejamento do clube não deve ser muito diferente para 2024. A novidade é que Anderson Barros admitiu que o Verdão está de olho em Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Diretor de futebol do Alviverde desde 2020, Barros raramente dá entrevistas e muito pouco fala de contratações. Após o duelo diante do Boca, o dirigente passou pela zona mista do estádio e respondeu sobre possíveis contratações, principalmente a do atacante rubro-negro, que está em fim de contrato por lá. Sem negar alguma negociação pelo atleta, o cartola palmeirense disse acompanhar a situação de Bruno.

– Sobre contratações, vocês acompanham o Palmeiras há algum tempo e nós nunca nos colocamos em relação ao que nós temos planejado. Bruno Henrique é um grande atleta, é um atleta que tem um contrato que termina neste final de ano e não tem porque o Palmeiras não estar acompanhando essa situação.

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Bruno Henrique tem vínculo com o Flamengo até dezembro deste ano. Por enquanto, as negociações com seu atual clube estão emperradas e ainda não foram retomadas como era previsto. O Verdão deve aguardar que se esgotem as possibilidades no Rubro-Negro para fazer uma proposta oficial. Neste momento, o Alviverde apenas manifesta o interesse.

Anderson Barros admitiu que a eliminação doeu para todos internamente no Palmeiras, mas nem por isso o clube deve iniciar uma caça às bruxas. Isso serve para o atual momento quanto para a próxima temporada. Ou seja, de acordo com o dirigente, o ano de 2024 deve seguir o mesmo planejamento, o qual ele considera que tem sido ótimo nos últimos tempos.

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– Não existe um planejamento que vai acontecer agora ou por um resultado. O planejamento ocorre a todo instante. O tempo inteiro o Palmeiras está buscando, tentando se planejar, tentando se organizar. Ele sabe mais uma vez daquilo que seu torcedor deseja e o Palmeiras só precisa acreditar no que tem feito até agora e continuaremos a fazer.

+ Saiba quanto o Palmeiras vai deixar de faturar pela eliminação na Libertadores

– O Palmeiras tem um elenco, uma equipe base de atleta que vem conquistando muito, todas as nossas decisões são tomadas baseadas em estudos, pesquisas, para que a gente possa entender o cenário não só do Palmeiras, mas o cenário mundial, no sentido da manutenção de equipes base para que você possa manter a competitividade. Acredito e entendo que a maioria desses nosso atletas ainda têm muito a entregar à instituição.

Sem Libertadores, o Verdão agora foca na disputa do Brasileirão, no qual está na quarta posição, oito pontos atrás do líder Botafogo. Neste domingo, o Alviverde recebe o Santos, na Arena Barueri, às 16h, já que o Allianz Parque será palco do show do cantor The Weeknd.

Tudo sobre

Bruno HenriquePalmeiras

Sharma and Cornwell made the key inroads as visitors win with a day to spare

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay01-Jul-2025Middlesex 534 (Geddes 137, Green 3-54) beat Leicestershire 205 (Patel 51, Sharma 4-43) and 202 (Cornwell 3-60) by an innings and 127 runsDivision Two leaders Leicestershire crashed to their first Rothesay County Championship defeat of the season by an emphatic innings and 127 runs as Middlesex handsomely avenged their opponents’ victory at Lord’s in May.Following on after being dismissed for 205 in their first innings in reply to Middlesex’s 534, Leicestershire were bowled out for 202 in their second innings, beaten with more than a day to spare.Rookie fast bowlers Naavya Sharma and Noah Cornwell played key roles in a Middlesex attack lacking skipper and leading wicket-taker Toby Roland-Jones after centuries for Sam Robson and Ben Geddes against a depleted Leicestershire attack had set up the match for the visitors. Geddes, dropped on 11, went on to score 137.Sharma’s six wickets in the contest included a career-best first-innings four for 43, while left-armer Cornwell’s four included three for 60 in the second innings, another career-best, although both were playing in only their third first-class matches.Leicestershire’s 33-point lead at the start of this round will limit the damage inflicted by this loss. Middlesex’s third win gives them a chance to finish among the promotion contenders.Only a rearguard effort in the morning that saw them almost double their overnight score had kept Leicestershire from being made to follow on sooner after slipping to 99 for eight before Monday’s close.Roman Walker made 40 not out and rookie fast bowler Sam Wood 33 in forcing Middlesex to bowl 37 more overs to pick up the last two wickets. Tom Helm, who missed the early Championship rounds through injury, finished with three for 30.In addition to a career-best three for 73 with the ball, Walker shared partnerships of 42 for the ninth wicket with Chris Wright and 64 for the tenth with 20-year-old seamer Wood, who bowls right arm but bats left-handed.Helm moved one away to have Wright caught behind and Wood, who looked no mug with the bat as he drove Zafar for six over long-on, nicked off to Ryan Higgins, wicketkeeper Joe Cracknell holding his fifth catch of the innings.Middlesex might have chosen not to enforce the follow-on with a view to adding a few more to their 329-run lead before giving the home side at least some incentive to pitch their ambitions higher than salvaging a draw.In the event, perhaps mindful of getting their fingers burned when they set Northamptonshire a target at Wantage Road last week, they stuck with convention and sent their chastened opponents out again.And what a good decision it was. Having been 82 for two before the collapse came on Monday, Leicestershire had lost their first six wickets for 80 by tea.It seemed the resilience shown by the tail earlier in the day had counted for nothing as Sol Budinger edged Helm to second slip before Higgins came on as first change at the pavilion end and induced a tame return catch from Rishi Patel with his second ball.Cornwell then struck in consecutive overs, bowling Liam Trevaskis, Leicestershire’s stop-gap No 3, with one that nipped back before making one climb to have Peter Handscomb caught off the splice by short leg Ben Geddes.Ben Green was dropped by Geddes in Cornwell’s next over but added only one more run before he drove at Higgins to be caught behind for 10. Higgins then took a catch at slip as left-armer Zafar found some bounce and the edge of Lewis Hill’s bat to leave Leicestershire 80 for six.Ben Cox and Logan Van Beek at last showed some grit, adding 58 in just under 16 overs before the dismissal of Cox, caught at leg gully at the second attempt fending off Sharma, who dismissed Walker with another short ball fended to short leg.Wright flung the bat for 26 off 20 balls before a top-edge saw him caught at mid-on, Wood had some fun with two towering sixes in his 27 before another top-edge had him caught behind, and Van Beek finished with a defiant unbeaten 36 but Leicestershire’s fate was all but sealed by that point.

Match abandoned The last league match of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 was replete with rain interruptions, and eventually inclement weather had the final say.A downpour in Guyana in the morning delayed toss by 45 minutes. Nurul Hasan called right and Rangpur Riders opted to bat – despite the weather around – but had to wait more because rain returned. The game began 90 minutes later than scheduled time as a 17-over contest.Central Stags opened their bowling with spinners from both ends and pegged back Riders twice inside the powerplay: Soumya Sarkar holing out off offspinner Angus Schaw second ball and Ibrahim Zadran falling to left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox. The heavens opened up again and this latest stoppage meant the game was further reduced to 14-overs-a-side affair.Upon resumption, fast bowler Blair Tickner broke the back of the Riders middle order. He accounted for Mahidul Islam Ankon, Iftikhar Ahmed and Nurul Hasan to leave Riders reeling at 66 for 6. Schaw and Lennox returned to mop up the tail as the Bangladesh Premier League side folded for a mere 79. Which was when another spell of heavy rain forced abandonment.Riders are already in the final with Stags finishing third in the season.

Clash of table-toppers ends in one-sided win after Will Jacks’ half-century drives hosts

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jul-2025

Reece Topley claimed three key wickets to topple Somerset•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

Surrey 201 for 6 (Jacks 57) beat Somerset 134 (Topley 3-20) by 67 runsSurrey booked a home tie in the Vitality Blast knockout stages as they thrashed Somerset by 67 runs in the battle of the South Group’s top two at the Kia Oval.Reece Topley (3 for 20) led the charge for wickets, while Jamie Overton, Sam Curran and Adam Zampa all got two apiece as Somerset collapsed from 73 for 2 to 134 all out in pursuit of 202 to win, Tom Kohler-Cadmore top-scoring with 38.Earlier, Will Jacks made 57 in 37 balls with four sixes to provide the backbone of Surrey’s 201 for 6. Migael Pretorius was the pick of the visitors’ attack with 1 for 28.Jacks lofted the second ball of the match from England spinner Jack Leach into the crowd. Pace too got the treatment early on as Ryan Patel sent one from Riley Meredith over the ropes and Jacks planted the last ball of the over into the crowd at cow corner as 61 came from the powerplay.Leach broke the stand a run later, luring Patel down the pitch to be stumped, but another six helped Jacks to 50 in only 30 balls as he and Jason Roy kept up the pressure with a second-wicket stand of 49.Jacks’ departure lbw to Lewis Goldsworthy sparked a slump, the all-rounder then castling Surrey skipper Sam Curran first ball.Roy thumped another huge six and looked to be moving into overdrive, but when he under-clubbed another from Leach and found the hands of Tom Abell in the deep, Surrey were 127 for 4.Dan Lawrence threatened to pick up from his century two days earlier with two sixes in a breezy 16-ball 32, but it needed a last-over six into the sightscreen from Chris Jordan to set Somerset 202.That target looked larger 15 balls into the chase when Topley splayed Tom Lammonby’s stumps with 13 on the board, but five fours from Jordan’s first over, four of them from the bat of Kohler-Cadmore put the Cidermen on the charge.A collector’s item followed as Ben Foakes dropped Kohler-Cadmore on 20 from an attempted ramp off Topley.In search of a momentum shift, skipper Sam Curran brought himself on and struck immediately, Will Smeed slapping the first delivery straight to cover.A tight following over from Overton lifted the rate over 11, but Kohler-Cadmore’s response was to spank one from Zampa into the JM Finn Stand for six. The Australian legspinner’s revenge was swift as three balls later Kohler-Cadmore skied a top edge into the gloves of Foakes.And top-edges were catching with Abell following suit from the bowling of Overton, Lawrence the catcher on this occasion.As the rate soared, Overton caught and bowled Tim Dixon and while skipper Lewis Gregory sent one from Sam Curran high into the seats, he perished trying to repeat the feat and Somerset collapsed.

With the help of a division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays found a temporary home for the 2025 season after Tropicana Field, the club's permanent home stadium, sustained damages from the winds of Hurricane Milton in October.

The Rays are planning to play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., the 11,000-seat ballpark which serves as the spring training home stadium for the American League East rival New York Yankees, according to Marc Topkin of . The Yankees will receive roughly $15 million in revenue as a result of the deal with the Rays, according to .

Rays Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg said the club "deeply appreciates the Yankees" allowing the Rays to play at Steinbrenner Field in 2025.

"We are happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a Major League-quality facility for them to utilize this season,’’ Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay region, and we understand how meaningful it is for Rays players, employees and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field."

In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right for our community—which is continuing to help families and businesses rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton."

Hurricane Milton, which made landfall about 70 miles south of Tampa with 100-plus MPH winds on Oct. 10, ripped the roof off of Tropicana Field. Rays officials said damage to the ballpark, which was initially set to serve as a base camp for 10,000 people to help with post-storm recovery, would take weeks to assess.

According to a damage assessment report sent on Tuesday to the St. Petersburg City Council, Hurricane Milton caused $39 million in damage and can be repaired in time for the 2026 season, albeit with a $55.7 million price tag. The Rays have plans to build and open a new stadium in 2028.

It's currently unclear how—and if—the repairs to Tropicana Field will affect these plans.

Through the many storied decades of MLB postseason history, there's only been a few recorded instances of no-hitters or perfect games.

There have been just two no-hitters in MLB playoff history, while there's only been one perfect game—and it happened nearly 70 years ago. These are two very rare occasions in baseball in general, so it's even more difficult to achieve under the pressure of the playoffs.

A no-hitter is when the pitcher allows zero hits over the course of the game, while a perfect game is when the pitcher doesn't even allow a runner to reach base (no hits and no walks). It's extremely tough for pitchers to accomplish these feats because the game has so many talented batters nowadays.

The First No-Hitter in MLB Playoff History

The MLB postseason's first no-hitter actually happened to be a perfect game, too. New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen allowed no hitters and no walks against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1956 during Game 5 of the World Series. Jackie Robinson was the closest Dodger to reaching base in the game. Larsen threw 97 pitches to accomplish this difficult feat.

Perfect Games in MLB Playoff History

Larsen's perfect game in 1956 remains the only perfect game in MLB postseason history to this day. That just shows how tough it is to achieve this piece of history. There's been just 24 perfect games in all of MLB history.

No-Hitters in MLB Playoff History

Roy Halladay – NLDS, Phillies vs. Reds, 2010

There's only been two no-hitters in MLB history. The first sole no-hitter in MLB postseason history didn't happen until the 2010 season when Philadelphia Phillies starter Roy Halladay accomplished the feat in the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Phillies went on to sweep the series and advance to the NLCS, but lost to the San Francisco Giants before the World Series.

It was Roy Halladay's first postseason start at 33 years old. Halladay had thrown a perfect game during the MLB regular season in 2010, too. He won the Cy Young Award that year. Additionally, Halladay was inducted into the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame, and his No. 34 jersey was retired by the Phillies.

Astros Combined – World Series, Astros vs. Phillies 2022

The Houston Astros pitchers in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series combined for a no-hitter vs. the Phillies. Starting pitcher Cristian Javier first had six no-hit innings to begin the game. The relief pitchers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly followed up by continuing the no-hitter.

It was the second combined no-hitter that Javier was involved in during the 2022 season. This time, it was during the World Series when the Astros were down 2–1. It helped propel them to become the eventual champions.

The two most recent playoff no-hitters were both thrown at Citizens Bank Park, the first being thrown by a Phillies pitcher, and the second being against the Phillies. Coincidentally, Dusty Baker was involved in both no-hitters in these games—first with the Reds, then with the Astros.

Near-Misses: Almost No-Hitters and Perfect Games in the MLB Playoffs

There's been 10 close calls in MLB playoff history. Here's a quick rundown of all of those games.

Braves Combined – World Series, Braves vs. Astros, 2021

During Game 3 of the 2021 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, the combined pitchers of Ian Anderson, A.J. Minter, Luke Jackson and Tyler Matzek went seven innings with no hits. Starter Anderson had walked three batters during his five innings. When Matzek took over in the eighth, Aledmys Díaz hit a single to end the Braves' no-hitter campaign.

Aníbal Sánchez – NLCS, Nationals vs. Cardinals, 2019

Washington Nationals starter Aníbal Sánchez was on track to record a no-hitter in Game 1 of the NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals until Jose Martinez hit a single in the eighth inning with two outs.

Michael Wacha – NLDS, Cardinals vs. Pirates, 2013

Michael Wacha almost recorded a no-hitter in his postseason debut during his rookie season in the 2013 NLDS vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wacha, who is currently in the playoffs with the Kansas City Royals, had no hits until Pedro Alvarez hit a solo home run in the eighth inning. The Cardinals still won Game 4.

Tigers Combined – ALCS, Tigers vs. Red Sox, 2013

The Detroit Tigers' pitching staff of Aníbal Sánchez, Al Alburquerque, Jose Veras, Drew Smyly and Joaquin Benoit attempted a combined no-hitter. Starter Sánchez walked six through six innings. The relief pitchers closed out the innings until Daniel Nava hit a single off of Benoit in the ninth inning.

Jim Lonborg – World Series, Red Sox vs. Cardinals, 1967

Jim Lonborg had bids for a perfect game and a no-hitter, until he gave up a walk in the seventh inning, and then a double in the eighth inning. The Red Sox won Game 2, but the Cardinals ended up winning the World Series.

Bill Bevens – World Series, Yankees vs. Dodgers, 1947

Bill Bevens walked 10 batters during his no-hitter campaign during Game 4 of the 1947 World Series. The ninth inning was where it all went wrong for Bevens and the Yankees—Cookie Lavagetto hit a walkoff double and brought in two of the batters Bevens had walked earlier in the inning. The Dodgers won the game, but the Yankees went on to win the World Series.

Red Ruffing – World Series, Yankees vs. Cardinals, 1942

Yankees starter Red Ruffing walked five batters, including two in the first inning, but didn't allow a hit until the eighth inning when Terry Moore hit a single.

Monte Pearson – World Series, Yankees vs. Reds, 1939

Monte Pearson fulfilled a shutout in Game 2 of the World Series, but his no-hitter bid ended when Reds' Ernie Lombardi hit a single in the eighth inning. Pearson only walked one batter during the game.

Burleigh Grimes – World Series, Cardinals vs. Athletics, 1931

Burleigh Grimes walked three batters, but his no-hitter campaign ended in the eighth inning when Bing Miller hit a single. It happened to be the first time Miller ever got a hit off of Grimes.

Herb Pennock – World Series, Yankees vs. Pirates, 1927

Herb Pennock was close to recording the first perfect game in MLB playoff history as he entered the eighth inning—that was, until Pie Traynor hit a single. The Yankees still won the game and the World Series.

Manchester United have registered their interest in signing an “incredible” star, but they will have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal done, with it being revealed his club could demand £120m.

Man Utd looking to sign new midfielder despite Casemiro resurgence

Ruben Amorim’s faith in Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as a midfield pair has paid off in recent weeks, with his side winning their last three Premier League games on the bounce, and the Brazilian has caught the eye with his recent performances.

Having returned to form, scoring in the 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, Rio Ferdinand hit out at Jamie Carragher for his previous comments about the midfielder.

Ferdinand said: “Players lose confidence, they lose form, sometimes players’ legs go, but I think the call was too early and I thought it was highly disrespectful for someone who’s achieved so much in the game.”

However, given the level of Fernandes and Casemiro’s recent performances, with the former assisting Harry Maguire’s winning goal at Anfield, it has been difficult for Kobbie Mainoo to force his way into the side, and speculation over the 20-year-old’s future persists.

Doubts over Mainoo, coupled with the fact Casemiro is now 33 and has one year remaining on his contract, may exacerbate the need for Amorim to bring in a new midfielder, and Man United have now registered their interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

That is according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, who states the Red Devils are “closely monitoring” Anderson, alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Forest are aware of the interest from elsewhere, and Plettenberg reveals the Premier League strugglers are expected to demand £100m – £120m to sanction a departure, given that there is no release clause in the midfielder’s contract.

"Incredible" Anderson could flourish at Old Trafford

Widespread recent reports have suggested United do not plan to trigger the extension in Casemiro’s contract, which means Amorim will need to bring in a new midfielder next summer, and the Forest star could be the ideal heir.

Spanish newspaper drops bombshell on 'new Messi' amid possible offer from Man Utd

What a signing this could be.

By
Henry Jackson

Oct 27, 2025

Much like the former Real Madrid man, the English midfielder flourishes defensively, as showcased by his performance across several important metrics per 90 over the past year.

Average per 90 (past year)	Casemiro	Elliot Anderson
Tackles	4.11 (99th percentile)	2.95 (88th percentile)
Clearances	2.65 (91st percentile)	2.06 (76th percentile)
Aerials won	2.11 (92nd percentile)	1.64 (84th percentile)

While United’s current midfielder may have the edge at the moment, the England international is still very young at 22-years-old, meaning he has plenty of time to develop, and he is more impressive in possession of the ball.

Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Miles Starforth, the former Newcastle man recently put in a commanding performance for the Three Lions, completing 121 passes in the 5-0 victory over Latvia, 32 more than any other player.

That said, while Anderson has been impressing for club and country, it is probably a little early for his value to be £120m, which would make the central midfielder by far the most expensive signing in Man United history.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele picked up the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but who will lift the famous individual honour in 2026?

With the 2025/26 season well and truly underway, players are beginning to make their case to land the historic award, and in a World Cup year, there could be many twists and turns.

Here are the 20 players who are best placed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or right now, based on current form and their respective team’s chances of silverware.

Ranking factors: To help rank the players in order, we have considered the following criteria:

Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their teams’ performances Reputation – what others say about them

2026 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Kylian Mbappe

26

Real Madrid

France

2

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

3

Lamine Yamal

18

Barcelona

Spain

4

Harry Kane

32

Bayern Munich

England

5

Erling Haaland

25

Man City

Norway

6

Vitinha

25

PSG

Portugal

7

Pedri

23

Barcelona

Spain

8

Michael Olise

23

Bayern Munich

France

9

Ousmane Dembele

28

PSG

France

10

Gabriel Magalhaes

27

Arsenal

Brazil

11

Luis Diaz

28

Bayern Munich

Colombia

12

Lionel Messi

38

Inter Miami

Argentina

13

Vinicius Jr

25

Real Madrid

Brazil

14

Cristiano Ronaldo

40

Al-Nassr

Portugal

15

Jude Bellingham

22

Real Madrid

England

16

Raphinha

28

Barcelona

Brazil

17

Scott McTominay

28

Napoli

Scotland

18

Joao Neves

21

PSG

Portugal

19

Mohamed Salah

33

Liverpool

Egypt

20

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

Man City

Italy

10 Gabriel Magalhaes Arsenal and Brazil

An injury halted the Brazilian’s progress but he is currently the most in-form defender on the planet, scoring goals, dominating in both boxes and leading Arsenal’s incredible defensive record.

While the spotlight often went to William Saliba in recent seasons, Gabriel has emerged as the true rock at the heart of the best defence in world football.

9 Ousmane Dembele PSG and France

Could he go back to back? Well, if PSG continue their dominance in France and in Europe, and if Ousmane Dembele helps his country to a World Cup win, there is every chance.

The forward netted his first goals of the season at the end of August before a hamstring injury halted his progress. Still, the 28-year-old has plenty of time to return to full fitness and make his claim of another Ballon d’Or.

8 Michael Olise Bayern Munich and France

Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has continued his fine form at the Allianz Arena into his second season.

A regular on the right wing under Vincent Kompany, Olise is already into double figures for goal contributions with Munich. Meanwhile, his national manager, Didier Deschamps, has said Olise “has everything”, with France and Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano calling the attacker a “magician”.

7 Pedri Barcelona and Spain

Pulling the strings in Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri is seen as one of the greatest midfielders in football and will be looking to improve on his 11th place finish last time out.

The Spaniard has even caught the eye of iconic midfielder Paul Scholes, with the Man Utd legend calling Pedri his “new favourite footballer”.

Hansi Flick has also called Pedri a “special” player, adding that he “is also becoming a better leader” for his side.

6 Vitinha PSG and Portugal

Vitinha’s stunning hat-trick against Tottenham in the Champions League vaulted him up the rankings, with the all-action midfielder providing a mixture of end product, tenacity and control in Paris, averaging over 100 passes per game this season.

The Portugal star has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons having won the quadruple with PSG in the 2024/25 campaign, and will look to cement himself as one of the best in world football at next summer’s World Cup.

5 Erling Haaland Man City and Norway

Jamie Carragher has recently called Erling Haaland the “greatest goalscorer to ever play in English football”, with his ridiculous start to the season leading to the forward himself saying he’s in his best form ever.

Scoring goals for fun with Man City and Norway, Haaland will now play at his first World Cup in 2026, which will be his country’s first since 1998. A strong performance to take them on a knockout run would cement his status as a legend of Norwegian football.

4 Harry Kane Bayern Munich and England

Harry Kane is continuing to do what he does best – score goals on a regular basis. With Bayern Munich, Kane scored a remarkable 17 goals in the first nine games for the German champions, becoming the fastest player this century to reach 100 goals for a side playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The England captain will also have his eyes on the 2026 World Cup, which could be his last at the age of 32. Delight for club and country in 2026 will put him in a strong position.

3 Lamine Yamal Barcelona and Spain

Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards for the last two years, so it feels as if it is just a matter of time until the Barcelona star takes home the major individual honour.

However, Barca currently trail Real Madrid in La Liga and have already dropped points in the Champions League group stage.

Still, if Yamal carries the Catalan giants to silverware and stars in his first World Cup, 2026 could be his year.

2 Declan Rice Arsenal and England

Now a vital member for club and country, Declan Rice is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now, shining in a slightly further forward role at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta.

After his two stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season, Rice has continued to add end product to his game and has been praised by England legends David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

1 Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid and France

Leading the way as the current 2026 Ballon d’Or favourite is Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Frenchman has begun the 2025/26 campaign in red-hot form in front of goal, registering the second fastest Champions League hat-trick of all time in a win over Olympiacos, even scoring a fourth for good measure.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has even called Mbappe the “best in the world”, and on current form, it’s hard to argue against the Madrid fan.

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner delivered a surprisingly defiant assessment after his side suffered a heavy derby defeat at the Etihad. He insisted that Manchester City were “not that far ahead” despite a humbling 3-0 scoreline that leaves United’s title hopes hanging by a thread. United were outplayed from the first whistle to the last as they registered zero shots on target and struggled to generate any attacking threat. The shocking performance comes just three days after their historic 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Women’s Champions League at Old Trafford.

City dominate early before cracking United open

City's aggressive pressing and dominance in central areas immediately forced United onto the back foot. Yet, for the opening half-hour, their superiority lacked an end product, with United managing to survive the early storm. But the resistance fractured shortly after the midpoint of the first half. Lauren Hemp’s pinpoint delivery found Khadija Shaw, whose cushioned header across goal allowed Rebecca Knaak to nod home from close range. The match swung decisively before the interval. United believed a foul had been missed in the build-up to City’s second goal, but Amy Fearn again dismissed their protests. Kerstin Casparij’s driven cross picked out Shaw, who stabbed past Mary Earps to double City’s advantage. Any remaining hope was extinguished minutes later when United gifted possession in a dangerous area. Hemp pounced with ruthless efficiency, sweeping a curling finish into the top corner to put City 3-0 ahead and effectively end the contest before half-time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefiant Skinner offers surprising verdict

Despite the gulf in the scoreline and the lack of genuine openings, Skinner delivered a surprising verdict afterwards. 

"It's a strange feeling to have lost the game 3-0 and still feel the opponent wasn't that far ahead of you", he said. 

United entered the derby with obvious fatigue after a gruelling week that included their first-ever Champions League match at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, City, who are free from European commitments, benefitted from a less demanding schedule. But Skinner refused to use that as justification.

"We won't use it as an excuse," he said after the game. "We had an advantage on City last year when they were doing the same. It's nothing against City, they did what they had to do today. For us, we've designed the squad, but it needs to be impacted by the winter window, to be clear."

Skinner wants reinforcements

However, the United manager made clear that his squad, which is stretched by injuries and the pressure of a busier calendar, urgently needs reinforcements.

"It needs to support these players that are giving absolutely everything," he said. "It wasn't a lack of commitment, the players gave as much as they could, but in moments we switched off. That can be fatigue. Our standards is that we can't accept that, we have to fix it going into Wolfsburg [in the Champions League on Wednesday].

"We've got to fight. We've got a bit more recovery time. We've had to walk through training this week, it's these factors we're getting used to now being in the Champions League. I'm not moaning about that, we have to take the challenge on. That's why in the winter window we have to supply some support for the players."

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Getty Images SportUnited’s attack under the microscope after toothless derby display

Perhaps the clearest indictment of United’s performance was their lack of threat in the final third. Skinner wants reinforcements in the attacking department, where depth has been stretched to breaking point.

"If I look at the way we attacked today, I felt we were a bit passive, I'm going to make sure we look at that as an area to support the fantastic work our players are already doing," he said.

However, he made it clear that the management remains adamant to improve the women's team and added: "The club care about the women's team, I'll be clear on that. Us identifying the right talent and bringing them in in the right moment is key. We're working hard behind the scenes to do so. I have no doubt the club care. What we need to do is bring the right people in."

The win moves City four points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League. United, meanwhile, remain in third, now seven points adrift of City and three behind Chelsea. For a team hoping to mount a genuine title challenge, the derby defeat represents a reality check. It is a reminder of the work still required to bridge the divide between themselves and England’s elite.

Leeds United have lost three of their last four matches in the Premier League and will be hoping to head into the international break off the back of a positive result.

The Whites travel away from Elland Road to take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, after they were beaten 3-0 by Brighton last time out in the division.

Daniel Farke’s side have failed to score in four of their five away matches in the Premier League so far this season, and they need more than just Noah Okafor to step up in the final third.

Why Leeds United need another Noah Okafor

The £18m signing from AC Milan has provided a spark at the top end of the pitch this season, with two goals and one ‘big chance’ created in six league starts, per Sofascore.

Okafor, who completed five dribbles against Brighton, scored an excellent goal in the club’s only away win in the Premier League so far this season, utilising his pace, composure, and quality to find the back of the net against Wolves.

The Switzerland international is the club’s joint-top scorer in the league, alongside Joe Rodon, and the top scorer from open play, which speaks to how important he is to Farke’s side at this moment in time.

However, the fact that no other forward in the squad has produced more than one goal in the Premier League so far this season is a cause for concern moving forward, as it suggests that the manager does not have many reliable options in the final third.

Fakre could, though, unearth his next version of Okafor by finally unleashing the rarely-seen Wilfried Gnonto as a starter against Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Why Leeds should unleash Wilfried Gnonto

The Italy U21 international returned from a calf injury ahead of the clash with Brighton, per the manager, but he was not included in the matchday squad for that game, which means that he has not featured in a game since the 1-0 loss to Fulham in the middle of September.

Gnonto has only played four times in the Premier League so far this season, per Sofascore, and this means that the rarely-seen star has not had too many opportunities to prove that he can make a positive impact in the top-flight.

The Italian winger’s form in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that there is more to come from him than the zero goals and zero assists that he has managed so far this term.

xG

8.22

Top 7%

Goals

9

Top 9%

Shots on target

29

Top 7%

xA

3.74

Top 22%

Chances created

46

Top 13%

Assists

6

Top 13%

As you can see in the table above, Gnonto ranked among the best wingers in the second tier when it came to scoring and assisting goals last season, despite only starting 26 of his 43 appearances in the league.

The 22-year-old talent, who was once described as “explosive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has the potential to be an Okafor-esque player for the Whites if he can finally carry his output over to the Premier League.

When the Whites were last in the top-flight, Gnonto produced two goals and four assists in 14 starts as a teenage winger, per Sofascore, which shows that he can make an impact at that level when he is at his best.

It is now down to Farke to help him hit those heights again by finally unleashing him on the right wing now that he is fit and available for selection, because the youngster is an electric winger who can be a difference-maker like Okafor if Leeds can get him firing.

Leeds told "dangerous" striker could be open to January move with 49ers keen on deal

Recent reports have indicated that the Whites hold an interest in this impressive Championship forward.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 6, 2025