Sport
Darren Bent Criticizes Palmer’s Ballon d’Or Nomination
Former England striker Darren Bent has criticized the Ballon d’Or organizers for including Chelsea’s Cole Palmer in this year’s nominations. Bent questioned Palmer’s selection, pointing out that the 22-year-old neither won a trophy with Chelsea nor regularly started for England.
Palmer was named among the top 30 players in the world for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, alongside stars like Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe.
Despite scoring 27 goals and providing 15 assists in 48 games last season, Bent argued that Palmer’s lack of trophies should have excluded him from the prestigious list. Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent said, “He didn’t win anything and doesn’t start for his country. How is he one of the 30 best players in the world?”
Former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has shared his thoughts on Victor Osimhen’s next career move, saying the final decision belongs to the striker alone. Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he won the league, League Cup, and the Golden Boot.
Osimhen has already rejected offers from Saudi side Al-Hilal, making it clear he wants to continue playing in Europe. Speaking to Sport 247, Okocha stressed that Osimhen must make the choice himself.
“The decision is his to make. Whether it works out or not, he has to own it,” Okocha said. He added that no one else should dictate Osimhen’s future, saying the striker should do what is best for himself and his family.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed his top picks for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, naming four players he believes could take home the prestigious award. Deco mentioned Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, alongside PSG duo Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha, as his favourites for the prize.
“Lamine has a real chance, just like Pedri, Dembele, and Vitinha,” Deco said in a chat with La Vanguardia, as reported by Barca Universal. He added that it’s exciting to see Barcelona players back in the conversation for one of football’s biggest honours.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September. Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the award last year, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has picked Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the two greatest players he’s shared the pitch with. Leao, who plays alongside Ronaldo for Portugal, also had the chance to team up with Ibrahimovic during the Swede’s final years at AC Milan.
Speaking in an interview with fashion outlet L’Officiel, Leao said, “It’s not just one, but two — Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo, now 40, is still active with Saudi club Al Nassr, though his contract is set to run out at the end of this month. Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, 43, has retired and currently works as an advisor for AC Milan under the club’s American ownership.
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