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Delwyn Serrao

Delwyn Serrao

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Kylian Mbappe times his Ballon d'or credentials to perfection after masterful performance against Inter Milan No sooner did the list of nominees for the Ballon d’or was revealed than Kylian Mbappe gave a huge statement in his quest to win the accolade with an all-round performance against Inter Milan in Real Madrid’s opening game of this Champions League season at the Bernabeu after it was confirmed that he is among the 30-man shortlist of nominees for the award. It has been a record-breaking year for Mbappe on an individual level. After a 10-goal 2026 FIFA World Cup, he not only won the Golden Boot, but also is now the outright highest-ever goalgetter in World Cup history, overtaking Lionel Messi, who has now retired from International Football. He was the leading goalscorer in last season’s Champions League, and also the leading scorer in the La Liga. Altogether, Mbappe scored 42 times in 44 appearances last season for Los Blancos, along with his double-digit haul at the World Cup. While he did come up empty-handed in the sense that he finished trophyless last season while finishing 4th with France in the World Cup, those numbers are hard to ignore given the context put behind them. He also started this season the same way as last, helping himself to 4 goals in his first 3 games, but was brought to a screeching halt in their defeat against Real Betis. Mbappe himself missed a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a point for his side. However, he dusted himself off quickly and continues to do what he does best- lead by example and show his worth by means of performances and goals. Against Inter, he got on the scoresheet as early as the 14th minute after ruthlessly capitalising on a Yann Bisseck error to give his side the lead. He could have easily had a brace by half-time, but his sumptuous 50-yard run and dribble that sat down two Inter defenders was well-saved by Inter keeper Josep Martinez. Apart from the goals, Mbappe also had a good all-round performance, which was very instrumental in keeping Inter at arm’s length despite them getting a late goal to keep things testy and uncomfortable towards the end. Even apart from his performances, Mbappe was very vocal about advocating himself for the Ballon d’or. In the pre-game conference on Monday, he did not play down his chances of winning the prize. He also reminded the journalists present that he is currently the record-holder for the most World Cup goals, and that definitely counts for something while also holding his own about his lack of pressing intensity and defensive duties in what was a gentle push back from him. With the nominations comparatively strong this time around, Mbappe has placed himself right in the mix with not only his vocal stance on the matter, but also with his performances on the field, which is the ultimate currency. And with his impactful and match-sealing performance against Inter, he has timed his Ballon D’or credentials to perfection. Kylian Mbappe times his Ballon d'or credentials to perfection

Mbappé times his Ballon d'Or credentials to perfection after masterful performance against Inter

With his impactful and match-sealing performance against Inter, Kylian Mbappé has timed his Ballon d’Or credentials to perfection.

Football News UEFA Champions League
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Man United show variety of squad, but still rue dropped points

Man United show squad variety but are still left ruing dropped points

Man United are undeniably showing improvement in their performances, but they're still struggling to prevail through key moments.

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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Our Take on Former Referee Mike Dean's recent controversial statements

Mike Dean's latest controversial statements remind us of his desperate need for social validation

Our relationship with match referees as fans of Premier League clubs is often a love-hate one. But if there is one thing that is unanimous in its decree, it is...

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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3 Things to look forward to ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea_

PL 2026/27: 3 things to look forward to ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea 

Here, we present our top three things to watch out for as Arsenal take on Chelsea in Gameweek 3 of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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Manchester United's transfer window

Manchester United's transfer window: Midfield addressed, but defensive underbelly remains soft

Delwyn Serrao reviews Man United's work in the recently concluded transfer window, where they addressed only some of their issues.

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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An Ode to Lionel Messi

An ode to Lionel Messi

With Lionel Messi having confirmed his retirement from international football, here is Delwyn Serrao with a few words.

Football News
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Marcus Rashford's performance yesterday was the first step in winning over Old Trafford faithful

Marcus Rashford's performance against Ipswich Town was the first step in winning over Old Trafford faithful

Marcus Rashford shone against Ipswich Town. It's a start as far as winning back the support of the Man United faithful is concerned.

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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Emiliano Martinez's imminent signing is curtains on The Robert Sanchez Experience at Chelsea

Emi Martínez's arrival means it's curtains on the Robert Sánchez experience at Chelsea

Emi Martínez is a clear upgrade on Robert Sánchez, and his imminent signing means it's curtains on the Spaniard's time at the club.

Football News Premier League (EPL)
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New Netherlands coach Xavi aims to usher period of success for the Oranje

New coach Xavi aims to usher period of success for the Oranje

Xavi is the new head coach of the Netherlands men's national football team, and he's ready to take them back to the glory days.

Football News
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UEFA lifts boycott against FIFA after receiving concrete assurances

UEFA lifts boycott threat against FIFA after receiving concrete assurances

Having been assured that no plan such as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal will surface again, UEFA drops its threat of boycott.

Football News FIFA
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