Kick Off: Messi, Ronaldo, Lewy, Neymar & Jorginho lead Ballon d'Or shortlist

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headline

Ballon d'Or nominees in FULL: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Mbappe & Lewy lead list

France Football have announced the thirty nominees for the 2021 Ballon d'Or award.

OFFICIAL: Cristiano Ronaldo named EPL Player of the Month for September

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Premier League's Player of the Month for September after some superb displays for Manchester United.

Match Report

Germany 2-1 Romania: Hosts on verge of WCQ after Muller scores late winner

Substitute Thomas Muller scored an 81st minute winner to complete Germany's 2-1 comeback win over visitors Romania in their 2022 World Cup qualifier on Friday that kept them on course for a spot in next year's tournament.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Arteta named EPL Manager of the Month for September

OFFICIAL: Arteta named EPL Manager of the Month for September

Cristiano Ronaldo 'has £50,000 cryotherapy ice chamber imported from Turin'

Cristiano Ronaldo may have made a red-hot start to life back at Manchester United, but the Portuguese is keeping ice cool in his bid to stay in top shape.

What did Hazard say that made Mbappe laugh? Maybe Leonardo knows how to lipread

A clip has gone viral on social media where Eden Hazard says something to Kylian Mbappe during Belgium's Nations League semi-final against France, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward bursts into a laughter.

OFFICIAL: Benzema named La Liga Player of the Month for September

OFFICIAL: Benzema named La Liga Player of the Month for September

Eden Hazard has suffered a hamstring injury & could miss El Classico

Reporter Mario Cortegana from Goal: Eden Hazard has suffered a hamstring injury. Another week, another Eden Hazard injury blow. The Belgian is seemingly unable to catch a break since he made the switch from Chelsea to Real Madrid

Rashford pays tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson after receiving an honorary degree

Marcus Rashford became the youngest recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Manchester and has claimed it was 'special' to share the moment with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Newcastle 'will look to make Philippe Coutinho one of their first signings under new Saudi owners'

Newcastle United could be eyeing up a move for Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho after the Saudi-takeover of the Magpies, with contact already said to be made between the player and the new owners.

Real Madrid make Rudiger their 'No 1 priority' signing for next summer

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly emerged as Real Madrid's priority target for next summer as Los Blancos look to bolster their defensive options.

Barcelona president Laporta claims he hoped Lionel Messi 'would play for FREE'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists he held hopes that Lionel Messi would play for the club for free and turn down Paris Saint-Germain.

Tug of war in the Mbappe family

Fayza Lamari, Kylian Mbappe's mother, has reiterated the Paris Saint-Germain player's desire to play for Real Madrid one day and the discussions they have had about it as a family.

In Depth

Newcastle United owner's net worth: How rich is Mohammed bin Salman?

The sale of Newcastle United to the Saudi Public Investment Fund on Thursday brought jubilant scenes from St James' Park, as Toon supporters began to dream about the club's future for the first time in a long time after Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership came to an end.

The most competitive Ballon d'Or ever

We will see perhaps the most competitive ever shortlist for the Ballon d'Or winner, with 30 names being published on Friday afternoon by France Football Magazine for the 2021 award.

Fixtures of the day

WCQ 

Andora vs England 2021/10/09 18:45 UTC

Portugal vs Qatar 2021/10/09 19:45 UTC