It’s Ballon d’Or time (aka world soccer’s top honour), and for the blokes, Argentina legend Lionel Messi won it for the eighth time. And Matildas captain Sam Kerr has come oh-so-close to winning the Féminin award, finishing second to Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí. It’s the second time she’s been pipped at the post by a Spanish player, with Alexia Putellas taking the gong in 2021 and 2022. Kerr’s Matildas teammate Hayley Raso came in at 17th. It’s an incredible effort from Bonmatí given the turmoil at the top of Spanish soccer – its federation president Luis Rubiales was red-carded yesterday by FIFA, copping a 3-year ban following the unwanted kissing incident involving star player Jenni Hermoso. And while we’re on an updating roll, SBS has netted exclusive rights to air all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking its partnership with FIFA to a whopping 40 years. And the Matildas are gearing up to face Chinese Taipei in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament tonight. And breathe…