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Bacary Sagna Names Rayan Cherki as a Future Ballon d’Or Winner

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The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be a fascinating one. While domestic trophies, such as the Champions League, will always play a role in voting, the World Cup will surely be the biggest influencer.

As such, it’s hard to know who will be the next winner. As things stand, names like Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and even Arsenal’s Declan Rice are in the conversation – as is current holder Ousmane Dembele.

However, former Gunners right-back Bacary Sagna has instead named a Manchester City star as a future winner in his eyes.

Sagna Names a Future Ballon d’Or Winner

Bacary Sagna of Arsenal looks on Photo courtesy of Reuters.

Sagna played 284 times for the Gunners, proving to be a reliable right-back as he won one FA Cup with the north London club in 2014. He then joined Manchester City, lifting the League Cup in 2016, making 86 appearances with the Cityzens.

With allegiances to both clubs, he appars to have been blown away by one talent in the Premier League right now. That man is Rayan Cherki. As quoted by Goal, Sagna backed the ‘special’ player as a future Ballon d’Or winner:

“Cherki is special. You can tell by the way he plays he is a showman. He’s entertaining the whole crowd! He is the type of player you go to the stadium to watch, to be able to witness this level of talent. He’s just a joy to watch. He’s creative, very natural, and I like that he’s always playing with a smile. He’s the type of technical player that can unlock situations, which not many players are able to do.

“You can see he’s from the street by the way he plays. He reminds me of the Brazilian players with the ability to dribble, play and have a good touch. I’m a lover of street football players because it’s pure natural skill. I think he can definitely win the Ballon d’Or in the future and he’s still got time on his side as he’s still very young.”


Ballon d'Or Power Rankings


Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings

Tracking the leading contenders to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2026.

Cherki’s Debut Season at Man City

Rayan Cherki in action for Manchester City

The Manchester City star has had a very impressive frst season in England, winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup. Pep Guardiola seems to be happy with the player as well, praising him highly in April 2026:

“These players have this ability to play with the rhythm of the opponents and the vision to make the extra pass, this is what defines the best.”

However, despite 10 goals and picking up 15 assists in all competitions, the Frenchman was unable to help Man City win the Premier League. Instead, Sagna’s other former club, Arsenal, won the title, which makes it all the more surprising that the retired right-back didn’t suggest a player from north London as a future Ballon d’Or winner.

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Arsenal Close to Signing Igor Tyjon Alongside Bruno Guimaraes

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Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign a new forward alongside Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in the summer transfer window.

A move to sign Guimaraes from the Magpies appears to be close, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that he is expected to join the Gunners in the summer transfer window.

It’s a huge addition for Arsenal as they look to bolster their midfield options, but there’s no doubt they’ll also be looking to add players in other positions.

Signing a new forward does appear to be one of their priorities, especially after they were pushing to sign Morgan Rogers before his move to Chelsea.

It’s been a reasonably slow start to the window for Arsenal, bringing in Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslias so far.

Arsenal close to forward addition

Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026 REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images

According to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Arsenal are closing in on the deal to sign Blackburn Rovers forward Igor Tyjon in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Gunners are hoping to agree a fee in the region of £2 million plus add-ons after Tyjon turned down multiple deals with the Championship side.

The young forward has now entered the final year of his contract, and Blackburn are now preparing for his exit.

Blackburn are happy to offload Tyjon due to his contract situation, and Arsenal are planning to get a deal over the line quickly.

It’s unlikely that Tyjon will come into the Arsenal senior squad immediately, considering he is just 18 years old.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Arsenal also eyeing new winger

Vinicius Junior REUTERS/Paul Childs

Arsenal are also working on a deal to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window.

Reports have claimed that the Gunners are working behind the scenes to sign Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, who is currently in a contract standoff with the Spanish club.

The Brazilian international appears to be open to joining Arsenal this summer, and they are believed to be going all in to try to secure his signature.

​​​​​​​The North London club are even open to making an exception to their salary structure in order to be able to convince Vinicius to make the move to the club.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2013 Tweet About Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter

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When Gianni Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter in 2016, it marked a fresh start for FIFA.

The reputation of world football’s governing body was left severely damaged in 2015 following a corruption scandal that eventually led to Blatter resigning following 17 years as FIFA president.

Infantino has spent 10 years in the role but is now in danger of also leaving with his tail between his legs following his scuppered plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

While FIFA and Infantino insist “nobody is selling football”, adding “this is not something FIFA could ever entertain”, the proposal has been lambasted by many groups and individuals involved in the game.

UEFA’s 55 member nations say they will boycott any FIFA tournament – including future World Cups – unless the plans are scrapped.

Gary Lineker’s 2016 tweet about Infantino recently resurfaced. The England legend tweeted at the time: “Have this weird feeling that Gianni Infantino will pull off his mask to reveal Sepp Blatter.”

Ronaldo’s 2013 Twitter Exchange With FIFA’s Sepp Blatter

Cristiano Ronaldo Action Images / Carl Recine

Three years earlier, in 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a bizarre Twitter exchange with Blatter.

While speaking at the Oxford Union, Blatter revealed that he “preferred Messi” over Ronaldo, who he compared to a “commander on the field of play” before walking across the stage in comedic fashion.

“They are both exceptional players but they are totally different and football is about the difference of styles, because Lionel Messi is a good boy who every mother and father would like to have at home,” Blatter told the audience.

“He’s a good man, he’s very fast, he’s not exuberant, he’s playing well, he’s dancing, he’s a kind man, he’s a good boy.

“And that’s what makes him so popular and naturally he will always get a lot of goals because he is this nice man, and he plays well and scores goals.”

Blatter added that Ronaldo had “more expenses for the hairdresser” than Messi. Watch the clip below:

Ronaldo saw this unflattering clip and tweeted: “This video shows the respect and consideration that FIFA has for me, my club and my country. Much is explained now.”

In a separate tweet, the Portuguese forward added: “I wish Mr Blatter health and a long life, with the certainty that he will continue to witness, as he deserves, the successes of his favourite teams and players.”

Blatter responded on Twitter: “Dear Cristiano. I apologise if you were upset by my lighthearted answer at private event on Friday. I never meant to offend you.”

He also wrote to Real Madrid in an attempt to diffuse the situation, but it’s clear that Blatter’s comments left a lasting impression on Ronaldo.

At the recent World Cup in North America, Ronaldo caused a stir when his official Instagram account was caught ‘liking’ a post of a journalist accusing FIFA of showing favouritism towards Argentina and Messi.

Argentina reached the World Cup final but suffered a 1-0 defeat after being outclassed by Luis de la Fuente’s Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

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Newcastle Eye Midfieler as Arsenal Expected to Sign Bruno Guimaraes

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Newcastle United are working on a deal to sign a new midfielder, with Bruno Guimaraes expected to make the move to Arsenal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It’s been a summer of turmoil at St James’ Park as they see a host of players head through the exit door.

Guimaraes looks set to be another to depart, joining the likes of Sandro, Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle supporters were rocked after news broke that manager Eddie Howe would also be leaving the club.

The Magpies are now closing in on a deal to appoint manager Matthias Jaissle as Howe’s replacement, as they are set to enter a new era.

It’s been a potentially worrying summer for the club, and they need to start heading in the right direction.

Newcastle working on midfielder deal

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Park via Reuters

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have started plans to bring in a new midfielder, with new coach Jaissle involved in the situation.

Romano confirms that Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes is expected to become an Arsenal player very soon, and the Magpies are hoping to bring in a replacement.

It’s a crucial blow for the Magpies as they prepare for life after Guimaraes, and it’s now imperative that they replace him adequately in the summer window.

Newcastle have already brought in Sean Steur as a midfield option, but at the age of 18, he might not be a regular starter in the Premier League. He could also be a replacement for Tonali.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Jaissle has a task on his hands

Matthias Jaissle Al Ahli 2025 REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari via Action Images

New Newcastle manager Jaissle has a big task on his hands heading into the new season.

Replacing someone like Howe, who lifted a trophy for the Magpies, isn’t going to be easy, while he’s been dealt a difficult hand already with many players leaving.

Newcastle need to replace adequately if they want to ensure they don’t continue competing in the bottom half of the Premier League. Jaissle needs to prove that he can guide them back in the right direction.

It’s going to be an interesting few weeks as Newcastle attempt to keep some of their remaining key players and also strengthen the squad.

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