Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in Contention to Win the Ballon d'Or. Here's What to Know
- The Ballon d'Or Award for 2026 takes place today in London, marking the ceremony's 70th anniversary. Moving from its traditional home in Paris, the event will crown winners across 10 categories, including best male and female players.
- Of the 30 players shortlisted for the men's award, four names dominate the conversation: Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi. These contenders seek to claim the trophy previously won by Ousmane Dembele.
- Ultimately, the award is decided by opinion, with one journalist from each of FIFA's top 100-ranked nations casting a vote. Each journalist selects 10 names from the 30 nominees in descending order, with points ranging from 15 for first place to one for 10th.
- The women's award will feature a new recipient this time, as Aitana Bonmati did not make the shortlist after breaking her leg in December. Two-time winner Alexia Putellas is widely considered the favorite to lift the trophy for a third time.
- Despite moving to MLS, Lionel Messi remains in contention at age 39 following outstanding World Cup performances, while Lamine Yamal enters the conversation after helping Spain win the World Cup and Barcelona secure the Spanish title.
511 Articles
511 Articles
The Ballon d'Or made a major blunder. On its website, it presented three different winners of the award. According to the Daily Mail, there is chaos in the organization after the mistake.
Is Harry Kane winning the award for the best footballer in the world? And if not him, then who? Has never won anything, but still one opinion on everything: the SZ live ticker.
The organization of the Golden Ball mistakenly announced the names of the three finalists, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. During the afternoon of this Monday, while...
Will he do it, won't he? Harry Kane could crown his outstanding year at the Bayern with a balloon d-Or. And also with the women plays a favorite in Munich. The ceremony in live commentary.
Will it be Harry Kane? Will it be Kylian Mbappe? Will it be Lamine Yamal? A bitter faux pas occurred around the balloon D'or before the ceremony.
Will it be Harry Kane? Will it be Kylian Mbappe? Will it be Lamine Yamal? A bitter faux pas occurred around the balloon D'or before the ceremony.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
