PARIS: Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best soccer player on Monday.
The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph. He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina.
Rodri put his hands over his face when his name was read out by former winner George Weah.
“Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”
The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí joined Barca teammate Alexia Putellas in winning two titles since the women’s trophy was first awarded in 2018. She beat her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway and Salma Paralluelo of Spain as Barcelona completed a 1-2-3.
“It’s a pleasure to be here again,” said Bonmatí, who received the award from Oscar winner Natalie Portman. “Thanks to my teammates and the clubs who make me a better football player every year.”
Vinícius Júnior was among the four men’s finalists with his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. But no one from Madrid attended the gala in central Paris, even though Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award.
Vinícius had been seen as one of the favorites for the award until making the decision not to travel to Paris for the ceremony. The decision was made by Madrid, according to a person who works with Vinícius and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak about the player’s whereabouts publicly.
Vinícius finished second in the voting, with Bellingham third.
Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year’s prize — the first time that’s happened since 2003.
While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defense and distribute passes cleanly from the back.
“I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” Rodri said.
City looked unbeatable at times with him in the side, while his excellent technical ability enabled him to slot smoothly into the quick-passing style made so effective by Spain at Euro 2024.
Bonmatí scored 19 goals for the second straight season for Barca and this year has netted five in five games for Spain, taking her international tally to 26.
The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded since 1956 for the men, and since 2018 for the women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
Each journalist, one per country, selects 10 players in ranked order, with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points. Unlike FIFA’s awards for the best players each year, fans aren’t part of the voting system.
Yamal’s trophy and other awards
On a good night for Spain and Barca players, teen prodigy Lamine Yamal — the youngest-ever scorer at a European Championship — won the Kopa award for best Under-21 player and Barca won the best women’s team award.
Real Madrid was voted the best men’s team.
Former PSG forward Kylian Mbappé and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane shared the Gerd Mueller award for most club and country goals last season with 52. Mbappé joined Madrid during the offseason.
Argentina’s penalty-saving specialist Emiliano Martínez retained the Lev Yashin award for best goalkeeper.
Ancelotti and Olympic-winning coach Emma Hayes won the Johan Cruyff award for best men’s and women’s coach.
Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, who has fought sexism in Spanish soccer after she was kissed on the lips at last year’s Women’s World Cup final by former federation president Luis Rubiales, collected the Socrates award for humanitarian work.
A special award was given by France Football to the wife and son of late Germany great Franz Beckenbauer.
Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer
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Spaniards Rodri and Bonmatí win Ballon d’Or award for best men’s and women’s players in world soccer
- While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defense and distribute passes cleanly from the back
- The 26-year-old Bonmatí retained her award after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, the Spanish cup and the Champions League
Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova
- Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break
ITALY: Sacked Italy manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out with a victory after his side labored to an uninspired 2-0 home win over Moldova in their World Cup qualification match on Monday thanks to goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso.
Spalletti announced his own dismissal on Sunday following Italy’s 3-0 loss in Norway in their opening group game on Friday, but took charge for one final time where again the performance showed why a change of leadership was required.
Norway, who won 1-0 in Estonia with Erling Haaland netting the winner, top Group I on 12 points from four games, with Israel on six points after three matches while Italy are third with three points from their two games.
“I asked the guys to let me go out with a victory,” Spalletti told Sky Sport shortly before kickoff.
While his players duly obliged, it was perhaps a fitting end to Spalletti’s time on the bench as another lacklustre showing failed to light up a far from full Stadio Citta del Tricolore.
With Italy’s slow, predictable build-up play failing to break through the visitors’ rearguard, the hosts were given an early wake-up call when Ion Nicolaescu found the net only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break.
A headed clearance fell to Raspadori in the box who struck first time into the bottom corner but Moldova almost levelled before halftime when Oleg Reabciuk’s shot from distance was parried away by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Artur Ionita’s follow-up effort went wide of the far post and Daniel Dumbravanu’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Federico Dimarco as Italy hung onto their lead.
Italy doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when substitute Riccardo Orsolini sent a low cross into the area which Davide Frattesi knocked on to Cambiaso who fired past keeper Cristian Avram.
The two-goal cushion failed to inspire Italy. Frattesi was sent through on goal from a ball over the top by Alessandro Bastoni but he sent his shot straight at the keeper and Moldova continued to create chances of their own.
“We struggled again tonight,” Spalletti told Rai Sport.
“When you are the coach of the national team you cannot have alibis because he chooses the players and if they don’t do well he can change them.”
Spalletti’s name was booed by large sections of the crowd when read out before kickoff, and the game failed to improve the mood, and Italian fans will hope for better when a replacement, rumored to be Claudio Ranieri, is installed.
De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller
- De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal
BRUSSELS, Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium’s blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku inside half an hour had given Belgium a dream start.
Wales, though, rallied through a Harry Wilson penalty, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to stun the side ranked eighth in the world.
But De Bruyne rode to his nation’s rescue, as he has so often in a stellar career, by steering in Tielemans’ perfect cross in the 88th minute.
Defeat was Craig Bellamy’s first as Wales manager as they fell just short of a national record of 10 matches unbeaten.
However, there remains plenty of positives for Wales’ hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup.
They sit second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia, and three in front of Belgium, who have two games in hand.
Only one side will automatically qualify with second earning a place in the play-offs.
After a 1-1 draw at North Macedonia on Friday to begin their qualifying campaign, Rudi Garcia recalled three of his Premier League stars in Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana and Tielemans and Belgium clicked into gear.
De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal.
Tielemans rounded off a brilliant team move for the home side’s second moments later as he turned in Maxime De Cuyper’s low cross.
A dazzling solo effort from Doku compounded Wales’ woes as they seemed set for a second half of damage limitation.
However, Harry Wilson’s penalty reduced the visitors’ deficit in first half stoppage time after Matz Sels was controversially penalized for a clash with Chris Mepham.
Bellamy’s men were right back in the game when Wilson brilliantly picked out Thomas to slot home Wales’ second six minutes into the second period.
Johnson’s header completed the comeback 21 minutes from time, but the visitors were unable to hold out against Belgium’s superior firepower.
Lukaku had a second goal controversially ruled out for the ball being out of play in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.
That proved to be a mere reprieve for Wales as moments later Tielemans’ cross picked out the unmarked De Bruyne to volley in at the back post.
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
- Green Falcons are guaranteed at least a play-off spot but could still secure automatic qualification, though it would take a 5-goal victory
JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year.
Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: “We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification).
“We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win.
“We’re excited for this match. Some think we’re already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It’s very important to win (on Tuesday).”
Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. Saudi Arabia and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots.
Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday’s game.
“We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,” he said. “I’ll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.”
The Green Falcons completed their preparations with a training session on Monday evening at the reserve pitch at King Abdullah Sports City.
Images released by the national team on social media showed Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal talking to players at the session.
The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.
Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem
- FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth
DUBAI: An official visit to Japan by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the ties between the organization and one of the world’s most influential nations in motorsport and mobility.
Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit highlighted the country’s investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events.
As motorsport’s international governing body and federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety and sustainability.
During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency Koji Murofushi, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano.
“This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan, a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,” said Ben Sulayem.
“It was a personal honor to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector.”
Discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility.
“From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society,” added Ben Sulayem.
“The JAF’s dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.”
JAF President Masayoshi Sakaguchi said: “We were honored to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport.
“Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety and sustainability in these fields. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.”
Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolizing the close relationship between Japan’s automotive leaders and the FIA’s global mission.
The visit comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum for Japan’s motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers — a 20 percent increase over the past five years — while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April recorded its highest attendance since 2006.
Ben Sulayem is now in Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event starts on Tuesday and will welcome more than 500 senior FIA mobility and motorsport delegates from 149 countries.
Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings
- Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final
PARIS: Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.
Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals last year, gained 500 points for reaching this year’s final.
Spaniard Alcaraz lifted the title for the second straight year, gained no points and remained second.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev remained third despite his quarter-final elimination to Novak Djokovic.
At 38, Serb Djokovic, who was unable to take a set from Sinner in the semifinals despite a strong fight, climbed one place to fifth, still behind Jack Draper.
The Briton also climbed one place to a career-high fourth after his memorable loss in the round of 16 to Alexander Bublik.
The latter, who was then swept aside by Sinner, jumped 19 places to 43rd.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, forced to retire against Alcaraz in the semifinal, continued his ascent with another place gain to reach world number six for the first time.
Taylor Fritz, eliminated in the first round, dropped three places to seven with fellow American Tommy Paul climbing to eighth, his best ranking ever.
Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, dropped eight places to No. 16 in the ATP rankings after losing in the second round this year.
ATP rankings:
1. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 10,880 pts
2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 8,850
3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,385
4. Jack Draper (GBR) 4,800 (+1)
5. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4,630 (+1)
6. Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) 4,560 (+1)
7. Taylor Fritz (USA) 4,485 (-3)
8. Tommy Paul (USA) 3,510 (+4)
9. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,440 (+1)
10. Alex De Minaur (AUS) 3,285 (-1)
11. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,100
12. Ben Shelton (USA) 3,080 (+1)
13. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 3,015 (+3)
14. Arthur Fils (FRA) 2,935
15. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 2,920
16. Casper Ruud (NOR) 2,905 (-8)
17. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 2,322 (+2)
18. Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) 2,285
19. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,205 (-2)
20. Ugo Humbert (FRA) 2,195 (+1)
