There is a moment every season when the soccer world’s hierarchy suddenly shifts, when a name outside the usual spotlight jumps ahead of Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, or Harry Kane. This time,

In LaLiga, Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a 3-0 with over Athletic Club while Barcelona remained top of the league with a 3-1 win against Atletico Madrid. In the headline clash in the DfB-Pokal, Bayer Leverkusen eliminated Borussia Dortmund with a 1-0 win.

Only Messi and Ronaldo have retained the Ballon d’Or since Marco van Basten way back in the late ’80s. With all due respect to Dembele, he’s not at their level. If PSG go and retain the Champions League, it might well be another brilliant player – Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi – to get their flowers.

He’s since returned from a summer break shortened by the Club World Cup, Haaland has been back to his sharpest. He’s scored 14 of City’s 23 goals in the Premier League so far and has notched 32 in all competitions for club and country – including 13 (!) in his last five outings for Norway.

That goal marked Mbappé's sixth strike from outside the box this season, a feat unmatched in Europe’s top five leagues. His ability to score from distance has set him apart, demonstrating his offensive prowess.

Mbappe captains France heading into the World Cup, and has a strong squad around him. Already the only player to score four goals in the World Cup final, he will be at the heart of France’s hopes… and of the Ballon d’Or race if they lift the trophy in July.

GOAL has complete guide to Champions League top scorers in 2025-26 with the prestigious Golden Boot on the line.

With a top form at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé has joined an elite goalscoring club of the 2020s alongside Robert Lewandowski.