Tottenham’s majority owner ENIC, which is run by the Lewis family Trust, has injected £100million of new capital into the club.
The announcement on Thursday morning is the latest statement of intent by the Lewis family Trust, which invited Daniel Levy to step down as chairman on September 4 in an effort to achieve more on-field success at Spurs.
Three expressions of interest in buying a stake in Premier League club Tottenham have been “unequivocally rejected” during the last month by the Lewis family Trust and further funds are available to help Thomas Frank, the PA news agency understands.
A source close to the family gave PA an exciting 5-word update that implies further investment is on the way.
They continued: “As the club’s management decides what’s needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful.”
A statement on the official club website claimed “this equity injection will further strengthen the club’s financial position and equip the club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success”.
New Spurs boss Frank has made a strong start to life in north London, winning six of his opening 11 matches in charge and guiding the club to third in the Premier League going into the October international break.
Peter Charrington, who was named non-executive chairman in the wake of Levy’s sudden departure, said: “As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the club’s ambitions.
“I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.
“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai (Venkatesham, CEO) and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this club forward.”
The ENIC plan that "weakened" Levy before he was "pushed" out of Tottenham
The Lilywhites chief announced his shock exit on Thursday.
Looking to spend big once again in 2026, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to outbid both Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign a talented attacker.
Ratcliffe sets Ruben Amorim timeline
Whilst everyone else continues to panic at Old Trafford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS seemingly remain calm. The minority owners are well aware that the Red Devils’ start has been far from ideal, but are still backing manager Ruben Amorim. Speaking to The Business podcast recently, Ratcliffe revealed that he will not be making any “knee-jerk reactions”.
Ratcliffe said: “He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.
“The press, sometimes I don’t understand. They want overnight success. They think it’s a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it’s all going to be roses tomorrow. You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week.”
Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd's £42m flop is now on borrowed time under Amorim
Manchester United’s lack of success in the transfer market has been highlighted by the failures of two players.
ByEthan Lamb Oct 9, 2025
The owner’s verdict should signal major relief for Amorim, who has been a man under pressure in recent months. Reports have even drawn up a list of replacements in the last few weeks, which range from Gareth Southgate to Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, but it looks as though United are sticking with their man for the long haul as things stand.
With that said, the transfer window is once again one to watch. If INEOS are set to stick with Amorim, then they must back him once again and potentially welcome one of the brightest young talents around.
Man Utd ready to prioritise Yildiz deal
As reported by Caught Offside, Man United are now ready to prioritise a deal to sign Kenan Yildiz in 2026 and outbid both Arsenal and Chelsea in the process.
The deal won’t come cheap, with reports suggesting that it could rise to as high as €90m (£78m) next summer. It is, however, one that is worth going all in on. Yildiz is that talented.
The Juventus star has once again been the main man in Turin so far this season, scoring two goals and assisting another four in eight games in all competitions. At just 20 years old, this is just the start for the Turkish winger, who could yet get the chance to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in the Premier League if United match his price tag.
Juventus teammate Gleison Bremer even went as far to describe Yildiz as their “own Lamine Yamal” earlier this season and that should tell INEOS all they need to know about the winger, who can also play attacking midfield.
After spending big in the summer, those at Old Trafford should go all out to beat Arsenal and Chelsea to sign the Juventus star next year.
Newcastle United have a big one this weekend, with title-chasing Arsenal coming to St. James’ Park in search of three points in the Premier League.
Perhaps boasting the two meanest backlines in English football, Arsenal and Newcastle typically play out hard-fought encounters, but the Magpies have shown themselves to have a strong advantage when on Tyneside, and Eddie Howe will hope to apply that once again on Sunday,
24/25
Carabao Cup
2-0 win
24/25
Premier League
1-0 win
23/24
Premier League
1-0 win
22/23
Premier League
2-0 loss
21/22
Premier League
2-0 win
Newcastle have kept four clean sheets from five Premier League fixtures so far this term, but have also struggled for their attacking sparkle.
It’s been a testing start to the season for homegrown star Lewis Miley. The 19-year-old brims with potential but was harshly criticised after the Cherries stalemate, and the manager may want to take him out of the firing line.
Why Howe should drop Lewis Miley
Howe said that the incendiary remarks, few though they were, were “totally unjustified” after Newcastle played out a drab goalless draw on the south coast.
Described as a “really good young player” by his teammate Joelinton, who rebuilt himself at Newcastle after a tough start of his own, Miley’s natural eye for a pass and his high work rate suggest he could be a real force for the Toon in the years to come.
But Howe needs to manage his rising prospect, for sure. Bruno Guimaraes is bound to return to the starting line-up against the Gunners, and Howe is likely to revert to his more compressed and accomplished three-man midfield.
Miley, let’s not forget, is a teenager and an academy star. He has a big future on Tyneside, but Joe Willock, who has also flattered to deceive this term, faces a steep fight for his future under Howe’s wing.
Newcastle's "disappointing" star has lost his place
Guimaraes missed out as Newcastle drew 0-0 with Bournemouth last weekend, ending his 67-match run of starts in the Premier League.
He returned in midweek and will be ready to influence from the outset once again as Arsenal look to chase Liverpool following the first-placed Reds’ defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Howe has various combinations he can tinker with in the engine room, but it’s certain that unleashing Willock from the start must not be among them. The versatile midfielder flattered to deceive when awarded a start in Guimaraes’ place last weekend,
Having been branded as “disappointing” a year ago by The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Willock’s innate ability on the ball and his progressive athleticism have never been up for debate, but injuries have been his enemy on Tyneside of late, and he’s now blown a golden opportunity to lay down his marker and take a starting spot.
Branded with a 4/10 match rating by the Chronicle Live during that clash against Bournemouth on the south coast, ‘unable to make any sort of impact’.
Newcastle have their tried-and-tested midfield trident, and they should start against Arsenal. Miley deserves another shot to make a positive impression off the bench, but Willock’s days at the club appear to be numbered at this stage.
Move over Osula: Newcastle's £35m "monster" is quickly becoming undroppable
Newcastle have added some exciting talent to their ranks this summer.
Manchester United’s summer transfer window is surely about to gather pace.
The £62.5m deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha was finalised at the start of June, and it’s the kind of signing which could reinvent the Red Devils’ frontline.
However, Ruben Amorim needs more firepower, and thus far has been frustrated by the lack of progress over the past month, with any number of additions still needed and a host of exiled first-teamers – like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho – yet to be sold.
Man Utd's search for forwards
Going into the summer transfer window, it was Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres at the top of Man United’s shopping list, the Sweden striker having previously played so well under Amorim’s wing.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating.
However, the 27-year-old is on the brink of a transfer to Arsenal, with Rasmus Hojlund’s desire to remain at the Theatre of Dreams complicating the pursuit of a new frontman.
But INEOS are still pushing to sign attacking additions.
As per Spanish sources, Man United have reached an agreement with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo. The deal, worth roughly £65m, is on the cusp of finalisation, with the minutiae all that’s left to be ironed out.
This follows Fabrizio Romano’s update from last week, and it’s starting to look likely that the Red Devils are going to receive a momentous boost in the coming days.
Brentford had previously rejected a number of offers from United but their persistence has finally paid off.
Why Bryan Mbeumo is perfect for Man Utd
Mbeumo’s 2024/25 campaign with Brentford underscored his calibre as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards, posting 20 goals and eight assists across 38 matches.
Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland scored more.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Amorim struggled to establish offensive fluency at United last season, and you can see why Mbeumo would be such an impactful signing. As per Sofascore, the Cameroonian, 25, complemented his direct return with an average of 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 4.7 successful duels per game.
But it’s his goalscoring record that the Old Trafford side covet most. Indeed, Thomas Frank said after the player’s hat-trick over Newcastle United last term that he is “unplayable” when at his finest.
Mbeumo’s style of play, and what he would offer in the final third without even considering the focal frontman, could see him become Amorim’s own version of the ostracised Rashford, one better aligned to the manager’s tactics and vision.
As you will see below, Rashford has provided a clinical presence for United across a number of seasons in the Premier League. Indeed, journalist Mazola Molefe actually named him a “goal machine” only two years ago.
24/25
25
6
4
23/24
33
7
3
22/23
35
17
6
21/22
25
4
2
20/21
37
11
13
19/20
31
17
9
But he’s also ebbed away from his topmost level, whereas Mbeumo is starting to come into his own, and has proved across the past year that he’s one of the most prolific wide forwards across the continent.
It’s clear that Rashford’s days at Old Trafford are numbered, with Amorim not a fan and Barcelona looking likely to act on their interest and snap him up in the coming weeks.
Curiously, Mbeumo’s 20-goal return in 2024/25 surpassed anything that Rashford has ever produced on a single-term basis for United. Thus, it’s clear that Amorim could not only sign a new version of the Three Lions star but a superior player.
Ultimately, Amorim and Jason WIlcox and co all know that Mbeumo alone won’t fix United’s problems, even when considering the flanking partnership to be forged with Cunha.
But by replacing Rashford with a new prolific force such as he, it’s a step in the right direction, for sure.
He'd be better than Gyokeres: Man Utd in contact to sign "the new Haaland"
Manchester United are desperately searching for a new centre-forward this summer.
Glasgow Rangers took to Ibrox for the first time in pre-season on Sunday when Russell Martin’s side were held to a 2-2 draw.
Danilo led the line for Rangers during the match because Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were both not ready to be involved at that stage.
Both players have been linked with a move away from Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, with clubs on the continent now keen on signing the pair.
This means that it remains to be seen whether or not they will still be at the club by September, which may be the Light Blues are reportedly in the market for a new striker.
Rangers leading race for new striker
The Scottish Premiership giants would need to bring in a fresh number nine option for Martin if they cash in on Igamane or Dessers, and they are eyeing up a free agent talent.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Leicester Mercury reporter Josh Holland, Rangers are the “frontrunners” to secure a deal for free agent centre-forward Jamie Vardy this summer.
The former England international has been unattached since the start of this month after his contract with Leicester City officially expired at the end of June.
Genoa were interested in snapping up the experienced marksman but manager Patrick Vieira is said to have decided against the signing, which has presented Rangers with an opportunity to make their move.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will be able to take advantage of the situation to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.
Martin could find his own Defoe for Rangers
If the Gers can sign Vardy on a free transfer this summer, Martin could unearth his own version of Jermaine Defoe by relying on him up front next season.
Jermain Defoe
Defoe joined the club on loan from Bournemouth at the age of 36 in the summer of 2019, and eventually joined permanently in January 2020, but was far from past his best.
The former England international went on to score 32 goals in 74 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including four goals in 15 Scottish Premiership matches in the 2020/21 title-winning season.
These statistics show that Defoe was still an incredible goalscorer, despite his age, and Vardy could be a similar signing for Martin this summer, as a 38-year-old striker who is still a huge threat in front of goal.
Appearances
35
35
xG
17.07
11.22
Goals
18
9
Conversion rate
31%
16%
Big chances created
2
6
Assists
2
4
As you can see in the table above, the English forward scored 27 goals in the last two seasons for Leicester, including nine in the Premier League last term, which shows that he is still a reliable marksman.
Vardy, who was once hailed for his “sensational” movement by Brendan Rodgers, did underperform his xG in the top-flight for the Foxes, but was still getting in positions to consistently generate high-quality chances.
His form in Leicester’s 2023/24 title-winning season in the Championship also shows that he still has what it takes to deliver consistently and efficiently in front of goal in a team that is competing at the top end of the table.
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Rangers are interested in a deal for a Premier League forward who would be more exciting than Thelo Aasgaard.
ByDan Emery Jul 7, 2025
Therefore, Vardy could be Martin’s own version of Defoe as a veteran former England international striker who still has the quality and consistency to make a huge impact in the Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for an “explosive” star, who is expected to cost in excess of £40m this summer, according to a report.
Tottenham eye new midfielder amid doubts over Bentancur's future
While Tottenham secured Champions League qualification via their Europa League triumph, their Premier League performances in the 2024-25 campaign left a lot to be desired, and new manager Thomas Frank will be hoping to oversee a major turnaround.
During his first interview as Spurs boss, Frank singled out James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke as three players he is excited to work with, indicating the Dane is happy with the attacking midfield options at his disposal.
However, should Bentancur refuse to sign a new contract, the Uruguayan could be moved on this summer, with a move to Atletico Madrid deemed a possibility, meaning Frank may be tasked with bringing in a replacement.
Levy now ready to smash Tottenham record by signing "unbelievable" £68m star
Spurs are willing to make a huge bid for a player who has been identified as a prime target for Thomas Frank.
ByDominic Lund Jun 29, 2025
As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Daniel Levy and Co could look to raid one of their Premier League rivals, having now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is expected to cost in excess of £40m this summer.
Elliott is ready to leave the Reds, given a lack of game time last season, and first-team opportunities are likely to be even more limited in the upcoming campaign, considering Florian Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates
There is widespread interest in the 22-year-old, however, which could pose a problem for Spurs, with nearly half the Premier League submitting enquiries of their own, while Jurgen Klopp is also looking to take his former player to RB Leipzig.
"Explosive" Elliott leads England U21s to glory in Slovakia
England U21s secured a second consecutive European Championships title with a 3-2 victory over Germany on Saturday, and manager Lee Carsley has the Liverpool midfielder to thank, given that he played a major role in the triumph.
The 22-year-old picked up the Player of the Tournament award, courtesy of scoring five goals en-route to glory in Slovakia, while he has also impressed Arne Slot in the past, with the Dutchman saying: “He’s so explosive with the way that he moves and with his end product. We are very lucky to have him.”
Not only that, but the former Fulham man places ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 by players in his position over the past year, and the 86th percentile for assists, showcasing the attacking threat he poses.
Elliott is now at an age where he needs to be playing regular football, and his exploits for England U21s indicate he could flourish at Tottenham, so a fee of around £40m seems very reasonable.
Chelsea are showcasing themselves as one of the busiest Premier League sides in the transfer market this summer, and many outgoings are also expected at Stamford Bridge.
Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all expected to leave Cobham this summer (The Athletic), as BlueCo seek to trim the wage bill and help fund Chelsea’s recruitment drive.
£47m star has already agreed to join Chelsea with club talks "to follow"
Enzo Maresca’s side are busy behind-the-scenes amid their Club World Cup campaign.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025
£150,000-per-week outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga is also on his way to Arsenal (David Ornstein), but he’s not the only keeper who could quit Chelsea in the coming months.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chelsea want to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez, according to reports, and could revisit a deal for AC Milan number one Mike Maignan after missing out on a pre-Club World Cup deal for the France international.
Club chiefs will be very keen to find new homes for Chilwell, Sterling and Felix in particular, considering the out-of-favour trio are on a combined salary of around £655,000-per-week.
There are some suggestions that key first-team players aren’t entirely safe either.
Chelsea may well decide to sell Trevoh Chalobah (Matt Law), despite his renaissance during the second half of 2024/2025, where he stood out as one of Maresca’s key men after returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Chelsea prepared to sell Noni Madueke this summer
As well as Chalobah, it is believed that mainstay winger Noni Madueke isn’t deemed untouchable by any means.
Noni Madueke for Chelsea
The England international, who earned praise from Thomas Tuchel during the Three Lions’ last round of international matches, started 27 Premier League games under Maresca last season, and it would’ve been more if not for injury.
Maresca even called Madueke one of Chelsea’s “best players”, but according to journalist Simon Phillips, the 23-year-old winger could still be sold in the coming months if a suitable offer arrives.
“Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Malick Fofana of Lyon as they weigh up winger options,” said Phillips, via his Substack.
“I get a sense that they are perhaps putting this name out there to help strengthen negotiations to sign Jamie Gittens of Dortmund. I am sure they do have interest in Fofana, absolutely, and you know what? Maybe they even look to end up bringing in two more out-and-out wingers, and they may well need them depending on the future of Noni Madueke as well, who Chelsea will listen to offers for.”
Of all the Chelsea players who absolutely need to be sold, Madueke surely isn’t one of them, regardless of their chase for new wide players.
“Noni has been excellent out there [on the left wing],” said pundit Jason Cundy on talkSPORT.
“The thing I love about Noni is whenever he picks the ball up, he looks that way [forward]. His first instinct with his first touch, ‘How can I get beyond you? How can I get in behind you?’
“What I noticed he did against Liverpool, and he does this very well on the right-hand side, but he will come inside on his right. Most left-footers out there tend not to. Left-footers love it on the right.
“When you’ve got a winger that can go both ways and threaten, as a full-back now you’re asking questions. He does that; Saka’s one of the best, goes out on the right and comes inside. You need to threaten both [ways], Noni has been really good, really impressive.”
Manchester United are now preparing an offer for an “unbelievable” star, and they are willing to use Joshua Zirkzee as a makeweight in the negotiations, according to a report.
Man Utd planning major summer revamp
Fresh off the back of losing the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, there were suggestions that no player would be safe at Old Trafford this summer, with The Mirror reporting: “Manchester United will listen to offers for every player in the wake of their disastrous Europa League final defeat.
“No player will be immune from being sold – including captain Bruno Fernandes – as United face up to a catastrophic financial black hole.”
Since then, Fernandes has re-affirmed his commitment to Man United by rejecting advances from the Saudi Pro League, but it is evident that INEOS could sanction the departure of a number of underperforming players this summer, amid ongoing financial issues.
Player
Potential value
Marcus Rashford
£40m
Alejandro Garnacho
£50m
Andre Onana
£35m
Rasmus Hojlund
£38m
Cashing-in on Hojlund would make sense, considering the Dane has scored just 14 goals in 62 Premier League games, but he is not the only United striker who could be on the move this summer.
That is according to a report from Italy, which suggests Man United are preparing to offer Joshua Zirkzee in the package to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker still dreaming of a move to Old Trafford.
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He’s won 20 trophies in his career so far.
ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025
Osimhen has always been keen on a move to the Premier League, which explains why he has been reluctant to move to Saudi Arabia, and he could finally get a chance to prove himself in England, should Zirkzee be willing to head in the opposite direction.
It remains to be seen whether Napoli are interested in a deal of that nature, but the Italian club have had a lot of dealings with United in recent times, having signed Scott McTominay last summer, while they have also expressed an interest in Garnacho.
"Unbelievable" Osimhen has earned Premier League move
The Nigeria international seems determined to test himself in the Premier League, and he has certainly earned the opportunity to do so, chipping in with 26 goals and five assists en-route to Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig title triumph last season.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring their first goal
The 26-year-old has also been described as “unbelievable” by members of the media, having finished as the top scorer in the Serie A during Napoli’s title-winning 2022-23 campaign.
After being shipped out on loan to Galatasaray last season, however, the centre-forward’s time in Italy looks like it could be over, with his current employers willing to accept offers in excess of £50m.
That could make Osimhen more affordable than Viktor Gyokeres, although a swap deal involving Zirkzee may be the preferred option, as it would allow United to get the Dutchman off the books, off the back of him scoring just three Premier League goals last season.
Blackburn Rovers have now reached an agreement over the signing of a versatile forward player, according to a key update from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Ismael preparing for first summer at Blackburn
Rovers narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship playoffs in 2024/25, finishing two points adrift, and it’s now a case of kicking on next season. This summer is manager Valerien Ismael’s first chance to sign players who he believes can suit his system best at Blackburn, and the 49-year-old recently discussed his plans for the summer.
“Our job now is to keep the vast majority of this squad as I’ve learned about the players. Reliability is very important for a manager – at the same time, we need to add some of what we don’t have in the team to ensure we can compete better. We have a lot of trust in the players and, with a good pre-season and being clearer with the principles, I think we will be in a good place.”
Swansea City striker Jerry Yates is among the players to have been linked with a summer to Blackburn, but Hull City are also believed to be providing competition for his signature. It looks as though one piece of business is extremely close, though, following a fresh claim.
Blackburn reach agreement to sign winger
According to Tavolieri on X, Blackburn are now closing in on the signing of Kortrijk winger Dion De Neve, having reached a “long-term” agreement to snap up the 23-year-old. The young attacker is set to sign his contract soon and will then start his medical.
De Neve may not be a household name to Rovers supporters, but any new signing is exciting, and he could be an excellent addition to Ismael’s squad. For starters, the Belgian’s versatility stands out, with a wide attacking role his strongest position, but left-back is also an area of the pitch that he can thrive in, perhaps offering the manager a route to vary his system with attacking wing-backs.
De Neve won seven caps for Belgium at Under-17 and Under-16 level combined earlier in his career, too, showing that he was a highly thought of teenager.
A powerful runner down the left flank, he could add much-needed quality for Blackburn, as they look to make the step up to being in the playoffs next season.
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ByDominic Lund May 13, 2025
This feels like a strong start to Blackburn’s summer, and it’s now a case of Ismael bringing in more players between now and August.
Every year, football’s elite gather in Paris to determine the winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Well, perhaps not if your name is Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian famously snubbed the awards evening in 2024 when he found out he’d been outvoted for the major accolade by Manchester City’s midfield sensation Rodri.
Rodri
It was a landmark year for the Spaniard, who won the Premier League with City and also won the European Championships after defeating England in the final.
Having suffered a terrible ACL injury towards the end of the year, Rodri was not in the conversation to win the award again in 2025.
2014
Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid
2015
Lionel Messi
Barcelona
2016
Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid
2017
Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid
2018
Luka Modric
Real Madrid
2019
Lionel Messi
Barcelona
2021
Lionel Messi
PSG
2022
Karim Benzema
Real Madrid
2023
Lionel Messi
PSG/Inter Miami
2024
Rodri
Manchester City
2025
Ousmane Dembele
PSG
Instead, it was PSG’s Ousmane Dembele who reigned supreme, having starred as the Parisiens finally won the Champions League in 2024/25.
Ballon d'Or 2025 Final Rankings
Where did the 30 nominees finish?
ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025
What made Dembele’s triumph all the more remarkable was the fact that he’d never actually been dominated for the award before.
He beat off some stiff competition, including Lamine Yamal, but what does the future have in store for the Spaniard? Well, with the help of Grok, the next ten winners of the Ballon d’Or have been predicted.
1 2026: A first crown for France's best Kylian Mbappe
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi no longer the players they once were, it was always predicted that Kylian Mbappe would rise to the top.
A victory in 2026 would be a long time coming for Madrid’s latest Galactico but it would be an award well deserved. There’s a World Cup in 2026, too. Perhaps he’s just led France to a second triumph in three attempts?
2 2027: The wonderkid triumphs for the first time Lamine Yamal
One of the favourites for 2025, Yamal finally gets the recognition on a global stage that he deserves in two years time. At the age of 17, he’s already won the Kopa Trophy for the best U21 player, and it feels only a matter of time before he’s officially crowned the best player in the world.
Cole Palmer already thinks he is, and with numbers like he’s achieved in 2024/25, scoring 18 and assisting 26, anything is possible. He is a generational talent, the rightful heir to Lionel Messi’s throne.
Games
55
Goals
18
Assists
25
3 2028: A victory for the Premier League Erling Haaland
Like Mbappe, Haaland has been tripped as a future Ballon d’Or winner for a while now but AI thinks we’ll have to wait another three years before seeing Manchester City’s goal machine given the gong.
Given the length of his contract, he’s set to stay in the Premier League for a long time and is likely to continue banging in the goals on a domestic and continental level. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is the definitive best number 9 of all time once he hangs up his boots.
4 2029: Messi 2.0 does it again Lamine Yamal
We told you he was generational. Two years on from his first success, Yamal is set to be handed his second Ballon d’Or, truly following in the footsteps of the great Messi.
At this point in his career, he’ll still only be 22 years of age. His potential is utterly frightening.
5 2030: Another win for Real Madrid Vinicius Jr
Six years on from what he felt was a cruel loss at the hands of Rodri, Brazil’s heir to Neymar and Real Madrid’s heir to CR7, Vini Jr, will finally get his hands on football’s most prestigious individual award.
Although aged 30, AI thinks he’ll still be going strong for Real Madrid, and with it being a World Cup year, maybe, just maybe, Brazil have got their hands on the trophy again.
Games
51
Goals
20
Assists
17
6 2031: Another Barca great does it Pedri
Every player on this list so far has been a forward but Barcelona star Pedri is set to topple the Yamal dominance by winning the award himself, following in the footsteps of the amazing Luka Modric and Rodri, the last midfielders to win the award.
The Spaniard is only 22 at the time of writing but he had a captivating season for Barca as they reached the Champions League final and won LaLiga. He’s played 59 times in 2024/25, scoring six goals and assisting eight. If he does indeed win the Ballon d’Or in 2031, his longevity certainly will have been Modric-esque.
7 2032: Liverpool's new signing takes it home Florian Wirtz
On the cusp of signing for Liverpool, who knows where Florian Wirtz will be playing in seven years time but AI seems to reckon that after securing a transfer to a Champions League giant and putting in strong showings for Germany, he’ll be the best player in the world.
Well, if it’s with the Reds, it would be their first Ballon d’Or winner since a certain Michael Owen back in 2001.
Wirtz is certainly one of the finest playmakers in the world already, contributing to 31 goals (16 goals, 15 assists) in the 2024/25 season when he was still with Bayer Leverkusen.
8 2033: More success for Germany Jamal Musiala
Germany star Jamal Musiala
Back-to-back success for Germany as Jamal Musiala picks up his first crown in 2033. This could be the start of a newfound dominance for Die Mannschaft, who with Musiala and Wirtz in tow, may well have won the 2032 European Championships.
AI is backing the attacking midfielder to trump everyone else due to Bayern Munich’s dominance, international accolades and consistent form.
9 2034: A third major honour awaits Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal for Barcelona
Rounding things off is a third triumph for one of the best players this generation has seen; Yamal.
In 2034, he’s be 27 and at the peak of his career with AI predicting him to cement his legacy as a generational talent. If he isn’t already, he’s now a truly household name, one of the best players we’ve ever seen in the game and right up there with Messi.
Only two players, Messi and Ronaldo, have won it more than three times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are the only other players to have all taken it home on three occasions.
10 2035: Brazilian follows in the footsteps of Vini Jr Endrick
Brazil'sEndrickduring the warm up before the match
While Yamal will no doubt be in the conversation again after winning it for a third time, his reign is brought to a halt by another of LaLiga’s top wonderkids at the moment, Endrick.
AI predicts that the Brazilian striker will become a powerhouse over the next decade, potentially winning the World Cup 2034 Golden Ball before cementing himself as the best striker in the world in ten years’ time. Grok reckons that the forward’s physicality and finishing ability will give him the edge over Yamal at this point.
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Some of these players were brutally snubbed for the golden ball.