The ultimate objective at any World Cup tournament is to lift the trophy alongside your teammates for soccer's ultimate prize. But there are plenty of individual awards to also strive for including the Golden Ball Award. The Golden Ball Award was officially introduced at the 1982 World Cup for the very first time, awarded to the tournament's best overall player. As the tournament officially expanded 48 teams and 106 total matches the competition level is at an all-time high, making the quest for a World Cup Trophy and finding the tournament's top talent more intense than ever. Here's a list of every Golden Ball winner. 1982: Paolo Rossi (Italy) On top of Italy's third World Cup win, young phenom forward Paolo Rossi was awarded the first ever official Golden Ball award. Rossi appeared in seven games for the Italians, scored three goals and added two assists as they defeated West Germany in the final game. 1986: Diego Maradona (Argentina) Clinching Argentina's second World Cup win, midfielder Diego Maradona became 1986's Golden Ball award winner following their 3-2 win over West Germany. In their run to a tournament in Mexico, Maradona contributed five goals and five assists in seven games including the infamous "Hand of God" goal and the remarkable "Greatest Goal of the 21st Century" in the quarterfinal win against England. 1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) Italian forward Salvatore Schicalli made history as the first Golden Ball winner to not hoist the World Cup trophy. While Italy settled for third place and West Germany claimed their second title, Schicalli contributed six goals and one assist through their tournament run. 1994: Romrio (Brazil) The 1994 World Cup win was a memorable one for the Brazilians, as the South American team won its fourth World Cup title. At USA '94, it was 28-year-old forward Romario who clinched the Golden Ball after Brazil outlasted Italy in penalty shootouts 3-2. 1998: Ronaldo (Brazil) With back-to-back final appearances and Golden Ball winners, Brazil's Ronaldo was awarded the 1998 Golden Ball. Despite the Brazilians falling to France in what became their first ever World Cup win, the 21-year-old forward recorded four goals and three assists for Brazil. Ronaldo also reigns as the award's youngest winner. 2002: Oliver Kahn (Germany) Becoming the first, and so far the only, goalkeeper to win the award, Germany's Oliver Kahn was named the 2002 Golden Ball winner. Brazil claimed their fifth title over Germany, winning 2-0. Kahn's tournament performance leading up to their championship appearance caught the eyes of many, where he recorded five shutouts and allowed just three goals. 2006: Zinedine Zidane (France) France found their way back to the World Cup final game after missing it in 2002, but fell short to Italy 5-3 in penalty shootouts. Still, 33-year-old midfielder Zinedine Zidane claimed the Golden Ball. Through his six appearances, Zidane contributed one assist and three goals. Of course, his lasting image will be him getting sent off for headbutting Italy's Marco Materrazzi in the final. 2010: Diego Forln (Uruguay) Even if Uruguay barely missed the podium, 31-year-old forward Diego Forln earned Uruguay their first Golden Ball winner. Forln led Uruguay to a fourth-place finish and added five goals and one assist. 2014: Lionel Messi (Argentina) Lionel Messi's first appearance in a World Cup final during the tournament in Brazil earned him his first Golden Ball award win, despite Argentina's loss to Germany. Messi earned the honor with his four goals and one assist through their tournament run. 2018: Luka Modri (Croatia) In a year when midfielder Luka Modri was widely regarded as the world's best midfielder, Modri took home his first and Croatia's first Golden Ball award. His athleticism and midfield acumen carried Croatia to the team's first ever final appearance, where it lost to France, 4-2. Modri contributed two goals and one assist through their seven games in Russia. 2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina) Arguably one of the best World Cup finals we've seen, Messi made history in Qatar as the only player to win the Golden Ball award multiple times. In Argentina's historic run at the tournament, Messi recorded seven goals and three assists, the most goals by any award winner.

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Unexpected pick brings upside, but questions about role and production remain

Here is our tracker to keep up with all the picks in the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.33 - San Francisco 49ers - WR De'Zhaun Stribling - Ole MissThe @49ers just got a TRUE DEEP THREAT in DeZhaun Stribling from Ole Miss. This guy PUNISHES cushions. 4.36 speed that is instant and he gets vertical in a hurry to scare defenders. Day 1 he will stretch the field and create big plays for everybody around him. Brock Purdy just pic.twitter.com/jNoAmndIKz Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 24, 202634 - Arizona Cardinals - G Chase Bisontis - Texas A&MNo. 34 pick is in: #Cardinals have selected Texas A&M G Chase Bisontis, per sources. pic.twitter.com/0l9yLC1Zkh Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 202635 - Buffalo Bills - EDGE T.J. Parker - ClemsonWith the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @BuffaloBills select T.J. Parker.NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/tM9xyM4ToH NFL (@NFL) April 24, 202636 - Houston Texans - DT Kayden McDonald - Ohio StateHEARTWARMING: Ohio State superstar DT Kayden McDonald McDonald was CRYING with tears flowing after the #Texans drafted him.Kayden was expected to be a first round pick and was one of two players left in the green room.What a beautiful moment.pic.twitter.com/GmHp7pcZvx MLFootball (@MLFootball) April 24, 202637 - New York Giants - CB Colton Hood - TennesseeWith the No. 37 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @Giants select Colton Hood.NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABCStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/rXQgSVbrRx NFL (@NFL) April 24, 202638 - Las Vegas Raiders - DB Treydan Stukes - ArizonaThe #Raiders picked Arizona CB Treydan Stukes at No. 38.A former walk-on, Stukes is a versatile, instinctive DB who can play inside or out, finishing his career with 29 PBUs and 7 INTs. He is likely going to be a nickel in the NFL. https://t.co/kBQEbuNLTlpic.twitter.com/DoYfP5Fjh5 Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 24, 202639 - Cleveland Browns - WR Denzel Boston - WashingtonNo. 39 pick is in: #Browns have selected Washington WR Denzel Boston, per sources. pic.twitter.com/TZweZ2RfF7 Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 202640 - Kansas City Chiefs - EDGE R. Mason Thomas - OklahomaNo. 40 pick is in: #Chiefs have selected Oklahoma EDGE R. Mason Thomas, per sources. pic.twitter.com/7SwHiyVN2p Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 202641 - Cincinnati Bengals - EDGE Cashius Howell - Texas A&MCashius Howell Cincinnati Bengals @TheTalentCode Howell has first step explosiveness and has proven that he knows how to get to the quarterback. The Bengals have been looking for an ace edge rusher I believe this is the guy https://t.co/7HRrOckzD3 The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) April 24, 202642 - New Orleans Saints - DT Christian Miller - Georgia2.42 New Orleans Saints - Georgia IDL Christen MillerNot bad but not the best pick or most important need here imo. Love the player though Grade: C+ pic.twitter.com/RbLs81HeVB NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 24, 202643 - Miami Dolphins - LB Jacob Rodriguez - Texas TechThe Miami Dolphins just selected the next Zach Thomas. Love Jacob Rodriquez! Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) April 24, 202644 - Detroit Lions - EDGE Derrick Moore - MichiganLions are drafting Michigan DE Derrick Moore. https://t.co/GhmLGSyk4Mpic.twitter.com/t0GKKlQKEg Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 202645 - Baltimore Ravens - EDGE Zion Young - MissouriRavens select EDGE Zion Young with the No. 45 overall pick. pic.twitter.com/ivPg3g3w47 Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 24, 202646 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Josiah Trotter - MissouriJosiah Trotter was drafted in round 2 with pick 46 in the 2026 draft class. He does not qualify for a #RAS due to a lack of measurements.https://t.co/zHanOxIkg0pic.twitter.com/STbS0ICciK RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 25, 202647 - Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Germie Bernard - AlabamaAfter trading up, the Steelers get a receiver: It's Alabama's Germie Bernard at No. 47. Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: NFL Draft live tracker: Day Two

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Mexico will now have hosted World Cup matches on three occasions. The previous two times? It reached the quarterfinals. It would be disastrous to not do so this time around, especially considering the home-field advantageEl Triwill have. Mexico held its own at home in a March friendly against Portugal, settling for a scoreless draw before another stalemate with Belgium in Chicago. The co-host will lean on veteran Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, but it remains to be seen if the team brings young midfielders Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas. But could an unprecedented sixth World Cup appearance be in the cards for keeper Guillermo Ochoa Here's what you need to know about Mexico: How they Qualified: Just like fellow co-hosts Canada and the U.S., Mexico automatically qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country now becomes the first country in World Cup history to have games on home soil, having first hosted in 1970 and then in 1986. The latter of those two editions came after FIFA withdrew hosting duties from Colombia. World Cup Group Stage Schedule: Previous World Cup appearances: What is Mexico's Best Finish in the World Cup? Who'll be Mexico's player to watch? Raul Jimnez is part of Mexicos veteran core. He scored nine of El Tris 22 goals in 2025, including a brace in both the Nations League semifinal and final. Jimenez also netted the winning goal in the Gold Cup semifinal and added another in the win over the U.S. in the tournament final. Jimenez, who has already played in three World Cups, has also scored nine goals for Fulham across all competitions this season and is in ideal form entering an important summer with a World Cup on home soil. Who is Mexico's Manager for the World Cup? For 2026, Mexico will be leaning on a familiar face in Javier "El Vasco" Aguirre. A seasoned Mexican coach, Aguirre is currently in his third stint as manager of the national team. He first led Mexico at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, guiding them to the round of 16 both times. Aguirre also won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009, and most recently became the first manager in Mexicos history to win two Gold Cups, after triumph in 2025. Over his tenure with El Tri across all spells, he has the most wins ever by a Mexico coach, surpassing Ricardo La Volpe. His steady leadership and international experience having coached in Spain, Japan, and Egypt have made him a cornerstone of Mexican football. Mexico's All-Time Leading Scorer: Mexico's All-Time Caps Leader: Mexico's Team Nickname: About the Country: Want great stories delivered right to your inbox?Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

The Istanbul Park circuit first hosted F1 from 2005 through 2011, and next year's race would be the first since Turkey returned to the calendar in 2020 and 2021 during disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Terrell brothers embraced after the younger Terrell went 48th overall

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) Ty Simpson said he had never even met Sean McVay before the Los Angeles Rams shocked the NFL by drafting him with the 13th overall pick.But after he landed on the West Coast and got his first face time with his new head coach, the quarterback couldn't contain his excitement about the future.Hes got the juice, Simpson said of McVay at the Rams' temporary draft headquarters near SoFi Stadium. That dude is a guy whos a fireball. He loves ball.When he pulled on a Rams hat and spoke with reporters on Friday afternoon, Simpson still hadn't met Matthew Stafford, the Rams' starting quarterback for the upcoming season and quite possibly longer although he got a warm welcoming message from Kelly Stafford, the MVP's wife.Simpson had nothing but praise and admiration for the 38-year-old quarterback whose film he watched intently at Alabama, making it clear he's planning to learn not to threaten Stafford's job.McVay and the Rams clearly agree, with McVay pointedly declaring the Rams are "Matthew's team right after picking Simpson.Matthew Stafford throws the ball with conviction and doesnt care what happens, Simpson said. "He might throw a pick the drive before, and hes coming back and throwing the same type of ball. That dude is an assassin. As a quarterback, thats the type of mentality you have to have. Being able to learn from him and learn how hes doing those things on a daily basis, I cant wait to soak it all up.The Rams made the most stunning selection of the first round Thursday when they took the 23-year-old Crimson Tide product who started just 15 collegiate games the fourth-fewest by a first-round pick in the past quarter-century. Los Angeles kept its avid interest in Simpson nearly silent before going against the widespread belief it would add a top receiver or an offensive tackle from its highest draft position in 10 years.Instead, the Rams took a big bet on Simpson, the son of longtime UT Martin head coach Doug Simpson. He spent the past four years in Tuscaloosa before passing up some huge NIL offers to turn pro after just one season as a starter with the Tide.That bet on himself definitely paid off for Simpson, who called it a dream come true to be not only a first-round draft pick, but at a great organization like the Los Angeles Rams with the best head coach in the league, the best quarterback in the league and the best-run franchise in the league. Its a perfect situation.It's too soon to know whether this huge risk will pay off for the Rams. While the pick was questionable for clear reasons with this team openly dedicated to maximizing its championship window while Stafford is playing, the Rams interest in Simpson makes sense on some levels.Simpson excelled in play-action at Alabama, and the Rams ran play-action at the highest rate in the NFL last season. He also threw only five interceptions in 523 pass attempts, the lowest rate in Crimson Tide history, while working through progressions and making decisions with an effectiveness that made him the consensus second-best quarterback in this draft.After attending the draft in Pittsburgh despite not knowing whether he would be a first-round pick, Simpson flew out to Los Angeles with his parents and siblings. Simpson already played in the area last January when Alabama lost the Rose Bowl to eventual national champion Indiana, and the Tide did their pregame walkthrough at the roofed SoFi amid heavy New Years Eve rains.Then, ironically enough, it's going to be my home stadium, Simpson said with a grin. I guess (Im) a redneck in Los Angeles, California, so well see how that goes. Im super excited to be here. This is a great place with great people. I cant wait to get started.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL