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Will Nations League triumph confirm the Ballon d'Or for Lamine Yamal?
As the 2024–25 football season draws to a close, the spotlight shifts to the question on everyone's mind: who truly deserves the Ballon d'Or this year? This debate goes beyond reputation or popularity, it's fueled by impressive, undeniable statistics. With PSG finally capturing their first-ever UEFA Champions League title and Barcelona reclaiming their position at the top of Spanish football, three standout players have emerged as frontrunners: Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.
Each of these players was instrumental in their club's successes, yet their seasons were defined by different achievements. Dembele spearheaded PSG's historic quadruple, proving his worth and silencing doubts. Meanwhile, Barcelona's dynamic duo, Yamal and Raphinha, secured a treble, with the young prodigy smashing records and the Brazilian hitting his stride. Together, they've combined for more than 85 goals and 66 assists this season, numbers that firmly place them in the Ballon d'Or conversation.
Beyond the raw figures, their stories add weight to their cases: Yamal became Spain's emerging star, Dembele restored his standing with a stellar season, and Raphinha transformed from a player almost sold to the key attacker for his club. Let's take a deeper look at each contender.
However, according to the new Ballon d'or criteria, it says that the award is given based on three main criterias:
2) Team performances and achievements
3) Class and fair play
Will Nations League triumph confirm Yamal's win?
With Lamine Yamal set to take part in the UEFA Nations League final against Portugal tonight, it will be interesting to see how he performs and whether Spain's win will guide him to his first ever Ballon d'Or award or not.
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal has delivered a season that demands attention from even the most seasoned football veterans. He finished the campaign with an incredible tally of 19 goals and 26 assists across all competitions, an extraordinary feat for someone so young.
In Barcelona's domestic treble-winning year, Yamal was the creative heartbeat of the team, skillfully navigating tight spaces, breaking down defences, and performing when it mattered most.
His brilliance wasn't confined to club football either. Yamal played a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph and impressed further with a remarkable two-goal display in the thrilling 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France, a match that also featured Dembele. With four major trophies under his belt and consistently high-level performances, Yamal is no longer just a promising talent, he's a genuine contender for the Ballon d'Or.
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
1891 to 2025: French Open men's singles winners and runner-ups list
Check the full list of French Open men's singles champions and runner-ups here. Shashwat Nishant New Delhi Few tournaments in tennis carry the prestige and history of the French Open. Held annually on the red clay courts of Paris, Roland-Garros is a cornerstone of the Grand Slam calendar. With a legacy spanning over 134 years, it has established itself as a symbol of tradition, elegance, and excellence in the sport. Carlos Alcaraz lifted the French Open 2025 title, winning his 2nd title this year, successfull defending his title after a thrilling final in Paris. Throughout its storied history, the French Open has produced numerous champions, none more dominant than Rafael Nadal. The Spanish legend holds a record 14 men's singles titles, having won all 14 finals he played. His astonishing 112-4 win-loss record at Roland-Garros over a span of 19 years is unmatched, making him the most successful player at a single Grand Slam in men's tennis history. For those interested in the rich history of the tournament, comprehensive records are available detailing all past champions, runners-up, and final match outcomes in both the men's and women's competitions. French Open men's singles winners and runner-ups list Year Champion Runner-up Result 1891 H. Briggs (GBR) P. Baignieres (FRA) 6-3, 6-4 1892 Jean Schopfer (FRA) Francis L. Fassitt (USA) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 1893 Laurent Riboulet (FRA) Jean Schopfer (FRA) 6-3, 6-3 1894 André Vacherot (FRA) Gérard Brosselin (FRA) 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 1895 André Vacherot (FRA) Laurent Riboulet (FRA) 9-7, 6-2 1896 André Vacherot (FRA) Gérard Brosselin (FRA) 6-1, 7-5 1897 Paul Aymé (FRA) Francky Wardan (GBR) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 1898 Paul Aymé (FRA) Paul Lebreton (FRA) 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 1899 Paul Aymé (FRA) Paul Lebreton (FRA) 9-7, 3-6, 6-3 1900 Paul Aymé (FRA) André Prévost (FRA) 6-3, 6-0 1901 André Vacherot (FRA) Paul Lebreton (FRA) W.O. 1902 Marcel Vacherot (FRA) Max Decugis (FRA) 6-4, 6-2 1903 Max Decugis (FRA) André Vacherot (FRA) 6-3, 6-2 1904 Max Decugis (FRA) André Vacherot (FRA) 6-2, 8-6, 8-10, 6-1 1905 Maurice Germot (FRA) André Vacherot (FRA) 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 1906 Maurice Germot (FRA) Max Decugis (FRA) 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 1907 Max Decugis (FRA) Robert Walllet (FRA) 6-0, 6-3, 6-1 1908 Max Decugis (FRA) Maurice Germot (FRA) 6-2, 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 1909 Max Decugis (FRA) Maurice Germot (FRA) 3-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 1910 Maurice Germot (FRA) Jean-François Blanchy (FRA) 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 1911 André Gobert (FRA) Maurice Germot (FRA) 6-1, 8-6, 7-5 1912 Max Decugis (FRA) André Gobert (FRA) W.O. 1913 Max Decugis (FRA) Georges Gault (FRA) 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 1914 Max Decugis (FRA) Jean Samazeuilh (FRA) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 1920 André Gobert (FRA) Max Decugis (FRA) 6-3, 3-6, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 1921 Jean Samazeuilh (FRA) André Gobert (FRA) 6-3, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 1922 Henri Cochet (FRA) Jean Samazeuilh (FRA) 8-6, 6-3, 7-5 1923 François Blanchy (FRA) Max Decugis (FRA) 1-6, 6-2, 6-0, 6-2 1924 Jean Borotra (FRA) René Lacoste (FRA) 7-5, 6-4, 0-6, 5-7, 6-2 1925 René Lacoste (FRA) Jean Borotra (FRA) 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 1926 Henri Cochet (FRA) René Lacoste (FRA) 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 1927 René Lacoste (FRA) Bill Tilden (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 11-9 1928 Henri Cochet (FRA) René Lacoste (FRA) 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 1929 René Lacoste (FRA) Jean Borotra (FRA) 6-3, 2-6, 6-0, 2-6, 8-6 1930 Henri Cochet (FRA) Bill Tilden (USA) 3-6, 8-6, 6-3, 6-1 1931 Jean Borotra (FRA) Christian Boussus (FRA) 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 1932 Henri Cochet (FRA) Giorgio De Stefani (ITA) 6-0, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 1933 Jack Crawford (AUS) Henri Cochet (FRA) 8-6, 6-1, 6-3 1934 Gottfried von Cramm (GER) Jack Crawford (AUS) 6-4, 7-9, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 1935 Fred Perry (GBR) Jack Crawford (AUS) 6-3, 8-6, 6-3 1936 Gottfried von Cramm (GER) Fred Perry (GBR) 6-0, 2-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-0 1937 Henner Henkel (GER) Henry Austin (GBR) 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 1938 Donald Budge (USA) Roderich Menzel (TCH) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 1939 Don McNeill (USA) Bobby Riggs (USA) 7-5, 6-0, 6-3 1946 Marcel Bernard (FRA) Jaroslav Drobný (TCH) 3-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 1947 Jozsef Asboth (HUN) Eric Sturgess (RSA) 8-6, 7-5, 6-4 1948 Frank Parker (USA) Jaroslav Drobný (TCH) 6-4, 7-5, 5-7, 8-6 1949 Frank Parker (USA) Budge Patty (USA) 6-3, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 1950 Budge Patty (USA) Jaroslav Drobný (EGY) 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5 1951 Jaroslav Drobný (EGY) Eric Sturgess (RSA) 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 1952 Jaroslav Drobný (EGY) Frank Sedgman (AUS) 6-2, 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 1953 Ken Rosewall (AUS) Victor Seixas (USA) 6-3, 6-4, 1-5, 6-2 1954 Tony Trabert (USA) Arthur Larsen (USA) 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 1955 Tony Trabert (USA) Sven Davidson (SWE) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 1956 Lew Hoad (AUS) Sven Davidson (SWE) 6-4, 8-6, 6-3 1957 Sven Davidson (SWE) Herbert Flam (USA) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 1958 Mervyn Rose (AUS) Luis Ayala (CHI) 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 1959 Nicola Pietrangeli (ITA) Ian Vermaak (RSA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 1960 Nicola Pietrangeli (ITA) Luis Ayala (CHI) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 1961 Manuel Santana (ESP) Nicola Pietrangeli (ITA) 4-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 1962 Rod Laver (AUS) Roy Emerson (AUS) 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 9-7, 6-2 1963 Roy Emerson (AUS) Pierre Darmon (FRA) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 1964 Manuel Santana (ESP) Nicola Pietrangeli (ITA) 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 1965 Fred Stolle (AUS) Tony Roche (AUS) 3-6, 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 1966 Tony Roche (AUS) Istvan Gulyas (HUN) 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 1967 Roy Emerson (AUS) Tony Roche (AUS) 6-1, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 1968 Ken Rosewall (AUS) Rod Laver (AUS) 6-3, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 1969 Rod Laver (AUS) Ken Rosewall (AUS) 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 1970 Jan Kodes (TCH) Zelko Franulovic (YUG) 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 1971 Jan Kodes (TCH) Ilie Nastase (ROU) 8-6, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 1972 Andrés Gimeno (ESP) Patrick Proisy (FRA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 1973 Ilie Nastase (ROU) Nikola Pilic (YUG) 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 1974 Björn Borg (SWE) Manuel Orantes (ESP) 2-6, 6-7 (4), 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 1975 Björn Borg (SWE) Guillermo Vilas (ARG) 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 1976 Adriano Panatta (ITA) Harold Salomon (USA) 6-1, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (3) 1977 Guillermo Vilas (ARG) Brian Gottfried (USA) 6-0, 6-3, 6-0 1978 Björn Borg (SWE) Guillermo Vilas (ARG) 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 1979 Björn Borg (SWE) Víctor Pecci (PAR) 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (6), 6-4 1980 Björn Borg (SWE) Vitas Gerulaitis (USA) 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 1981 Björn Borg (SWE) Ivan Lendl (TCH) 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 1982 Mats Wilander (SWE) Guillermo Vilas (ARG) 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-0, 6-4 1983 Yannick Noah (FRA) Mats Wilander (SWE) 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 (3) 1984 Ivan Lendl (USA) John McEnroe (USA) 3-6, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 1985 Mats Wilander (SWE) Ivan Lendl (USA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 1986 Ivan Lendl (USA) Mikael Pernfors (SWE) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 1987 Ivan Lendl (USA) Mats Wilander (SWE) 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (3) 1988 Mats Wilander (SWE) Henri Leconte (FRA) 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 1989 Michael Chang (USA) Stefan Edberg (SWE) 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 1990 Andrés Gómez (ECU) Andre Agassi (USA) 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 1991 Jim Courier (USA) Andre Agassi (USA) 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 1992 Jim Courier (USA) Petr Korda (TCH) 7-5, 6-2, 6-1 1993 Sergi Bruguera (ESP) Jim Courier (USA) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 1994 Sergi Bruguera (ESP) Alberto Berasategui (ESP) 6-3, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 1995 Thomas Muster (AUT) Michael Chang (USA) 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 1996 Yevgeny Kafelnikov Michael Stich (GER) 7-6 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (4) 1997 Gustavo Kuerten (BRA) Sergi Bruguera (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 1998 Carlos Moyá (ESP) Alex Corretja (ESP) 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 1999 Andre Agassi (USA) Andrei Medvedev (UKR) 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 2000 Gustavo Kuerten (BRA) Magnus Norman (SWE) 6-2, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (6) 2001 Gustavo Kuerten (BRA) Alex Corretja (ESP) 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 2002 Albert Costa (ESP) Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) 6-1, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 2003 Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) Martin Verkerk (NED) 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 2004 Gastón Gaudio (ARG) Guillermo Coria (ARG) 0-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 8-6 2005 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Mariano Puerta (ARG) 6-7 (6), 6-3, 6-1, 7-5 2006 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Roger Federer (SUI) 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (4) 2007 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Roger Federer (SUI) 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 2008 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Roger Federer (SUI) 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 2009 Roger Federer (SUI) Robin Söderling (SWE) 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 2010 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Robin Söderling (SWE) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 2011 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Roger Federer (SUI) 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1 2012 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 2013 Rafael Nadal (ESP) David Ferrer (ESP) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 2014 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Novak Djokovic (SRB) 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 2015 Stan Wawrinka (SUI) Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 2016 Novak Djokovic (SRB) Andy Murray (GBR) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 2017 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 2018 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Dominic Thiem (AUT) 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 2019 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Dominic Thiem (AUT) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 2020 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 2021 Novak Djokovic (SRB) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 6-7 (6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 2022 Rafael Nadal (ESP) Casper Ruud (NOR) 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 2023 Novak Djokovic (SRB) Casper Ruud (NOR) 7-6 (1), 6-3, 7-5
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Italy fires Spalletti amid prospect it could fail to qualify for 3rd straight World Cup
The fear that four-time champion Italy will fail to qualify for a third straight World Cup has cost coach Luciano Spalletti his job. Spalletti announced Sunday that he is being fired and will leave after Monday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova. The move comes two days after Italy lost 3-0 at Norway in its opening qualifier. 'Last night I had a conversation with the president (Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina) and he told me that I would be fired,' Spalletti said in a pre-match news conference at Italy's training center. 'I didn't have any intention on (leaving) and I would have preferred to stay on. But it's a sacking and I realize that.' Claudio Ranieri, who just concluded a successful season at Roma but had said he was retiring from coaching, is reportedly the federation's top choice to replace Spalletti. But the federation did not immediately name a replacement — and after the Moldova game, Italy doesn't play again until September. Spalletti was hired in August 2023 when Roberto Mancini unexpectedly left to take over Saudi Arabia's national team. Spalletti was given a three-year contract through the 2026 World Cup. Spalletti's first major tournament ended with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of 16 of last year's European Championship. Then Italy was eliminated from the Nations League quarterfinals after conceding an embarrassing goal to Germany earlier this year — which meant that the Azzurri entered a five-team World Cup qualifying group featuring Erling Haaland's Norway instead of a four-team group in which the highest-ranked nation is Slovakia. Winning the group is the only way to ensure direct qualification to next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed team goes into the playoffs, the stage where Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia and ruled out of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. Having started qualifying late, Italy has zero points and trails group leader Norway by nine points. What's more, key defender Francesco Acerbi — the center back who was supposed to mark Haaland — turned down the callup for the Norway and Moldova matches. 'I've always taken on this job as a service to the nation and I will do everything I can to help the future of the national team,' Spalletti said. 'I'll come to a contract resolution after tomorrow night. … I had all the support possible concerning the choices I wanted to make. But the results didn't come.'
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Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Portugal vs Spain Nations League final LIVE SCORE UPDATES: Action to begin at 12:30 AM IST
Luis de la Fuente is expected to rest Fabian Ruiz, who recently featured in the UEFA Champions League final. Pedri and Mar POR vs ESP Portugal face tournament favourites Spain in the UEFA Nations League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich tonight. Roberto Martinez's side faces a daunting task, having failed to defeat Spain in any competitive match since 2004. Spain enters the final on a high after a dramatic 5-4 semi-final victory over France. The thrilling encounter showcased Spain's attacking depth and confidence under Luis de la Fuente. Meanwhile, Portugal secured their place in the final with a 2-1 win over hosts Germany, thanks to a late winner from Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal's Bruno Fernandes is a major doubt after suffering an ankle injury during the semi-final. Although not officially ruled out, his availability remains uncertain. Joao Cancelo is confirmed to miss the final, but the rest of the squad remains unchanged. Spain has no fresh injury concerns and will field a full-strength squad. However, Luis de la Fuente is expected to rest Fabian Ruiz, who recently featured in the UEFA Champions League final. Pedri and Martin Zubimendi are likely to lead the midfield in Rodri's continued absence. Spain starting 11: Unai Simon, Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella, Fabian Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri, Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams What time does the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain start? The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 AM IST. Where is the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain being held? The final will be hosted at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Where to watch the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain live on TV in India? Fans in India can watch the live telecast of the match on the Sony Sports Network. Where to stream the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain live in India? The live streaming of the match will be available on the SonyLIV app and website. 12:16 AM Portugal vs Spain Nations League final LIVE UPDATES: Action to begin soon! We are less than 15 minutes away from the final clash now as the anticipation builds up among both set of fans. 12:04 AM Portugal vs Spain Nations League final LIVE UPDATES: Lamine's Ballon d'Or on the line? It is also expected that if Lamine Yamal goes on to win the title with Spain, his Ballon d'Or credentials will get stronger than ever as well, surpassing Dembele's UCL win and Raphinha's treble winning season. 11:50 PM Portugal vs Spain Nations League final LIVE UPDATES: Ronaldo vs Yamal for the 1st time ever! It will be the clash of generations as Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Lamine Yamal in the final clash. It will be the 40-year-old clashing with the 17-year old on the night.
