Rodri backs six Spaniards for Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi is being backed by Argentina teammates Cristian Romero and Alexis Mac Allister for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or after a strong World Cup, with his final international appearance scheduled against Benin on October 6. He is among a field that includes Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. Rodri named six Spanish players he believes have a case for the award—Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, himself, Fabián Ruiz, Yamal and Ferran Torres—while expressing surprise that Raphinha was left off the shortlist. Separately, former France Football director Pascal Ferré’s forthcoming book recounts behind-the-scenes stories about the award, including two alleged attempts to buy it that he says he rejected, as well as anecdotes involving past winners such as Luka Modrić and Messi.