REALITIES OF LIFE

Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Gavi will undergo knee surgery to treat a persistent meniscus problem, raising fresh concerns over his fitness. The 21-year-old Spain international had already endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in November 2023. He aggravated his right knee again during training in August, shortly after playing in Barça’s opening two matches of the season. While the club has not officially disclosed a recovery timeline, Spanish media suggest Gavi could be out for five to six weeks . “Gavi underwent intense sporting stress tests after finishing his conservation course of treatment for the radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee,” Barcelona said in a statement. “The conclusion is that in order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action this Tuesday Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination.” The surgery is aimed at ensuring the midfielder makes a ful...

Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí have been named the best footballers in the world, winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in a glittering ceremony that celebrated outstanding performances across the men’s and women’s game. For the men’s prize, Dembélé capped off a spectacular year by claiming the top spot, ahead of his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal and PSG’s midfield maestro Vitinha. Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, and Achraf Hakimi rounded out the top six, while Kylian Mbappé had to settle for seventh. Rising star Cole Palmer made a breakthrough with a top-10 finish, joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nuno Mendes. Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 – Top 10 Ousmane Dembélé Lamine Yamal Vitinha Mohamed Salah Raphinha Achraf Hakimi Kylian Mbappé Cole Palmer Gianluigi Donnarumma Nuno Mendes Bonmatí’s win on the women’s side reaffirmed her dominance, adding yet another Ballon d’Or to her decorated career, as Barcelona continued their stronghold on global football honors.