Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

By Damerex -
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In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...
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Cesc Fabregas was left ‘stunned’ as Declan Rice netted ‘two of the best free-kicks ever’ for Arsenal

By Damerex -

Cesc Fabregas expressed that he was “speechless” about Declan Rice, who netted what Jon Champion called “two of the best free-kicks you are ever likely to witness” for Arsenal versus Real Madrid. 

The Gunners entered their Champions League quarter-final matchup against Real Madrid as the underdogs. Their rivals are a powerhouse of European football, while Arsenal has not been among the top tier in the prestigious competition for many years. 

However, the north London team dominated Real, scoring three goals in the second half to secure a 3-0 victory in the first leg. 

Midfielder Rice netted two of those goals within 13 minutes, both from direct free-kicks. Before this match, he had played over 300 professional games without scoring a direct free-kick goal, but he smashed two incredible ones past Thibaut Courtois. 

In commentary, Jon Champion described the goals as: “Two of the best free-kicks you will ever witness.” 


Ex-Arsenal player Fabregas was amazed by Rice’s goals: “Honestly speechless, especially when you haven't netted a single free-kick in your career and manage to score two in just 13 minutes." It requires character to step up for the second try, to assert, "I'm back again." 

Wayne Rooney believed there was no question Rice would score again after bending his first goal around the wall: “Technically he's brilliant." As soon as the whistle blew for the second, he was the only one to take that first free-kick. 

Rice reflected Fabregas' feeling of being at a loss for words in his post-match interview, emphasizing that he was always prepared to take the opportunity when it arose in a threatening position. 


“I gained confidence right after the first one.” "I don’t believe I’ve fully processed what I did tonight," Rice stated. 

Arsenal has one more match before reaching the semi-finals, and Rice indicated that the Gunners aim to advance before considering the next phase, but their objective is to secure victory in the whole tournament. 


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