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Ronaldo Tops Ballon d’Or Fan Poll, Al Wahda Players Denied Bahrain Entry And Toney Faces Trial
Augustus Media FZ LLC
October 29, 2026
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From Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or anniversary recognition to Al Wahda’s reported travel issue in Bahrain and Ivan Toney’s legal case, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or topped a fan poll celebrating the award’s 70th anniversary, two Iranian Al Wahda players were reportedly denied entry to Bahrain, and Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge in London.
Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or Voted Greatest Of All Time
What Is It About
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008 Ballon d’Or has topped the Ballon d’Or of All Time (B.O.A.T.) fan poll, organised to celebrate the award’s 70th anniversary. The Al Nassr captain finished ahead of Lionel Messi’s 2012 triumph, with his own 2017 victory ranking third.
Why It Matters
The result highlights the continued popularity of Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or-winning season, when he starred for Manchester United. However, the ranking was decided through a paid public vote rather than the traditional Ballon d’Or jury.
What’s Next
The poll is a commemorative fan ranking, not an official additional Ballon d’Or trophy. Ronaldo remains a five-time winner, with his 2008 triumph now receiving recognition through the anniversary vote.
Two Iranian Al Wahda Players Reportedly Denied Bahrain Entry
What Is It About
Two Al Wahda players reportedly missed the club’s AFC Champions League Two match in Bahrain after being denied entry. According to Iranian media, Mohammad Ghorbani and Mobin Dehghan were unable to travel despite reportedly obtaining visas.
Why It Matters
The reported restriction left Al Wahda without two members of their squad for an important continental fixture. Despite their absence, the UAE club defeated Bahrain’s Al Khaldiya 2-1.
What’s Next
Neither Bahraini authorities nor the AFC have publicly confirmed the reason for the reported restriction. For now, the circumstances surrounding the players’ absence remain unclear.
Ivan Toney Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charge
What Is It About
Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court in London. The charge relates to an alleged nightclub incident in December 2025.
Why It Matters
The England international is accused of headbutting and punching a man during the alleged incident. Toney denies the allegation, and the case remains before the courts, with no finding of guilt.
What’s Next
Toney’s trial has been scheduled for June 12, 2028. Until then, the criminal proceedings remain ongoing, with the allegations contested.
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