Sport
Makelele Picks Dembele Over Yamal for 2025 Ballon d’Or
Former Chelsea star Claude Makelele has backed Ousmane Dembele to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, snubbing rising Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. Makelele, who also played for France, said while Yamal is clearly talented, he still has a lot to prove and needs more time to grow. In his view, Dembele has put in the work over the years and deserves the recognition.
Speaking in an interview, Makelele said, “Dembele deserves it. Lamine still has to show more consistency. He’s still a kid. He’s got the talent, but let’s not rush him.” Both Dembele and Yamal have been named among the top contenders for the prestigious award, but Makelele believes it’s too early to hand it to the teenager.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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Enzo Fernández Moves Closer to Manchester City Transfer
