Lionel Messi left Paris Saint‑Germain in summer 2023 for MLS side Inter Miami. At 36 he has netted 90 goals in 104 games, steering Miami to the Leagues Cup (2023), the Supporters’ Shield (2024) and the MLS Cup (2025). His eighth Ballon d'Or arrived on the back of those achievements, confirming his dominance beyond the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé finally joined Real Madrid in June 2024 after a protracted PSG saga, scoring 86 goals in 103 appearances but failing to win silverware. Paris, meanwhile, rebuilt with younger talent, captured the Champions League last season and defended it against Arsenal in 2025‑26. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, hailed as Messi’s heir, added three La Liga titles and a Euro 2024 win for Spain, though a hamstring injury now threatens his 2026 World Cup readiness.

Harry Kane transformed his career by swapping Tottenham for Bayern Munich in 2023, scoring 146 goals in 147 games and finally collecting Bundesliga, German Cup and Supercup trophies. Meanwhile, Spurs endured a historic slump, finishing 17th in the Premier League despite a Europa League triumph, while Manchester United also missed the top ten. New Ballon d'Or winners Rodri (2024) and Ousmane Dembélé (2025) signaled the end of Messi‑Ronaldo dominance.