Entertainment

By Sabiu Abdullahi

England striker Harry Kane and Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas have emerged as the winners of the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards at the 2026 ceremony held at the London Palladium in England.

Kane claimed the men’s award, finishing ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who placed second and third respectively.

Putellas secured the women’s honour, with Poland’s Ewa Pajor finishing second and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw taking third place.

The ceremony, which marked the 70th edition of the prestigious football awards, also recognised outstanding performances across several categories, including young players, goalkeepers, coaches and clubs.

Other award winners

According to the published list of winners, the other major honours went to the following recipients:

– Men’s Young Talent of the Year: Lamine Yamal
– Women’s Young Talent of the Year: Vicky López
– Men’s Coach of the Year: Luis de la Fuente
– Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu
– Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Unai Simón
– Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll
– Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
– Women’s Club of the Year: FC Barcelona Femení
– Sócrates Award: Bukayo Saka
– Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane
– Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy: Charlyn Corral

Men’s Ballon d’Or top 10

The top 10 positions in the men’s rankings were:

1. Harry Kane
2. Kylian Mbappé
3. Lamine Yamal
4. Rodri
5. Lionel Messi
6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
7. Ousmane Dembélé
8. Erling Haaland
9. Michael Olise
10. Fabián Ruiz

Other notable names in the rankings included Jude Bellingham in 11th place, Achraf Hakimi in 13th, Declan Rice in 15th, Vinícius Júnior in 17th and Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes in 27th.

Senegalese forward Sadio Mané also featured in the rankings, sharing 29th place with William Saliba.

Women’s Ballon d’Or top 10

The top 10 positions in the women’s rankings were:

1. Alexia Putellas
2. Ewa Pajor
3. Khadija Shaw
4. Melchie Dumornay
5. Patri Guijarro
6. Caroline Graham Hansen
7. Pernille Harder
8. Claudia Pina
9. Alessia Russo
10. Temwa Chawinga

Other players recognised included Zambia’s Barbra Banda, who finished 18th, and Nigeria-born Malawi international Temwa Chawinga, who placed 10th, according to the published rankings.

The results highlighted the achievements of established stars and emerging talents across men’s and women’s football, with the Ballon d’Or remaining one of the sport’s most prominent individual honours.

The Daily Reality

By The Daily Reality

Zion Suzuki, Japan’s first-choice goalkeeper with Ghanaian heritage, has joined English Premier League side Aston Villa after rising through the ranks of Japanese and European football.

Zion Suzuki is a Japanese professional footballer whose career has taken him from the youth ranks of Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan to European football, earning recognition as one of the country’s promising goalkeepers.

Born on August 21, 2002, in Newark, New Jersey, United States, Suzuki has a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father. Despite his American birthplace and mixed heritage, he represents Japan at international level.

Suzuki began his professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds, one of Japan’s established football clubs. His performances and development eventually opened the door to European football, where he continued to gain experience and improve his goalkeeping skills.

He later joined Belgian club Sint-Truiden, where he gained valuable exposure to European competition before moving to Italian side Parma. His time in Europe helped strengthen his reputation as a goalkeeper capable of competing at a higher level.

In August 2026, Suzuki completed a move to Aston Villa, marking another significant step in his career and bringing him into the English Premier League, one of the most competitive football leagues in the world.

At international level, Suzuki has represented Japan and emerged as an important figure in the national team’s goalkeeping setup. His performances have contributed to his growing profile in Asian football and increased attention on his development in Europe.

His background also makes him a notable figure in discussions about footballers with African heritage representing countries outside the continent. Through his Ghanaian roots and Japanese international career, Suzuki reflects the increasingly diverse backgrounds of players in modern football.

At 24, Suzuki’s move to Aston Villa represents an important opportunity to establish himself in English football, compete at a high level and further develop his reputation on the international stage.

As he begins this new chapter, attention will be on how quickly he adapts to the demands of the Premier League and the role he could play in Aston Villa’s plans.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family confirmed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.

His death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June, a video showing him looking frail circulated on social media, raising concerns among fans and colleagues.

Duru subsequently shared a video on Instagram in which he described the footage as “fabricated and malicious”.

Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his primary and secondary education there before moving to Nigeria for university.

He studied Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

Duru began his acting career in 1989 in Missing Mark, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko. He gained wider recognition in 1995 after playing Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

Over the years, he received several awards and honours for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace in recognition of his influence on young people.

In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together. The family suffered the loss of one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

His death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career spanned decades in Nigeria’s film industry.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a key player for the Spanish side after he scored in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.

Lookman came off the bench to find the net in the 79th minute of Tuesday’s encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, ending a six-match goal drought.

The Super Eagles forward reacted quickly to a rebound after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Jonathan David’s effort, allowing the Nigerian to slot the ball into the net.

The goal marked Lookman’s second in all competitions this season and his 100th senior club goal, according to Transfermarkt.

Speaking after the match, Simeone praised the 28-year-old’s attacking qualities, particularly his scoring ability and skill in one-on-one situations.

“He is a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he is good in one-on-one situations,” the Argentine said.

However, the Atletico manager noted that Lookman was yet to consistently demonstrate his full potential, despite his return to scoring form.

“He is not at that point where that comes through, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch. He had the instinct to follow up the play and the rebound worked in his favour. We got the win we needed,” he said.

Atletico made an early breakthrough through Pablo Barrios, who scored within the opening minute of the match.

Manchester United’s hopes of recovering from the deficit suffered another setback in the 74th minute when defender Leny Yoro received a red card for fouling David as the last defender.

The victory extended Atletico Madrid’s winning streak to five matches, while Manchester United’s winless run reached five games.

Lookman’s goal is expected to provide a confidence boost as he seeks to establish himself further in Simeone’s squad and maintain his scoring form in the ongoing campaign.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 out of 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.

The verdict was reportedly reached by an independent panel after a lengthy hearing into the club’s financial affairs.

The charges relate to allegations that City failed to provide accurate financial information across nine seasons, from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The Premier League formally brought the case against the club in 2023 after a four-year investigation.

The independent hearing concluded in 2024, but the outcome was delayed for almost two years before reports of the verdict emerged.

Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and are expected to appeal the findings. The club has also indicated that the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed.

No punishment has yet been announced. Possible sanctions under the Premier League rules include a points deduction, financial penalties and removal from the competition.

There has also been speculation about the possible effect of any points deduction on previous seasons. However, no decision has been made to strip Manchester City of any Premier League titles.

The reported findings cover alleged breaches involving financial reporting and other financial regulations. City’s position remains that it has not breached the rules and the club is expected to challenge the verdict through the available appeal process.

The case is one of the most significant financial disputes in Premier League history, with the final sanctions and outcome of any appeal still to be determined.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has identified six Spain teammates he believes have strong claims to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

The prestigious individual award is scheduled to be presented next month in London, with Rodri himself among the 30 nominees.

The midfielder was part of the Spain squad that won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he was also named the tournament’s best player.

Rodri said he would prefer to see a Spanish player receive the award this year.

“What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it,” Rodri said as per Goal.

He went on to mention five other Spain players alongside himself who are nominated for the prize.

“There are six of us [nominated]: Cucurella, Cubarsi, Rodri, Ruiz, Lamine, and Ferran.

“I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d’Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments.”

The players named by Rodri are Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

The final winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced at the ceremony in London next month.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has embraced Islam in Doha, Qatar, where he currently plays club football.

A video circulating online shows the Nigerian international reciting the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, marking his reported conversion to Islam.

Troost-Ekong, who has captained Nigeria at international level, has attracted widespread attention from football fans following the development.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Pro Ref has acknowledged that Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United should not have been allowed to stand.

Haaland settled Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford with a second-half strike that initially appeared to have been ruled out for offside.

The decision was later overturned after a VAR review, with officials determining that Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu had played Haaland onside.

However, another aspect of the attack has since come under scrutiny.

Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and attempted to play the ball before it reached Haaland. Although Fernandez did not make contact with the ball, Pro Ref said his position could have affected the play.

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday’s Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”

Manchester City’s victory gave them all three points from the derby, but the admission from Pro Ref is expected to intensify debate over the VAR decision that led to Haaland’s goal being awarded.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, ending a historic career with Argentina that spanned over two decades.

The 39-year-old captain, who led his nation to victory in the 2022 World Cup and played in a record-tying six World Cups, confirmed the decision in an emotional social media statement.

Messi wrote that he penned the letter just two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final but delayed its release following the death of his father—an event that ultimately solidified his conviction.

He retires with 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country, saying he has “nothing more to give” and that the time is right for a new generation to take over.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain and Al-Nassr forward made the disclosure in an interview with lifestyle magazine Vogue, published on Sunday.

Ronaldo, who began his senior career with Sporting Lisbon in 2002, said he hopes to bring his football career to an end with a lasting legacy.

“This is probably my last year of football and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he said.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also spoke about his plans for life after football, saying he already has several activities that could keep him occupied.

“I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

“And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned — what we’ve earned. Because, after all, it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo has won domestic league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. He also holds the record as the highest-scoring player in men’s international football.

The Portuguese star has scored 976 goals for club and country, leaving him 24 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal landmark.

He has one year remaining on his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s opening league match of their title defence against Al Fateh on Saturday. He watched the game from the stands alongside members of his family.

The development comes only days after his wedding to his long-time partner, Georgina Rodriguez.