‎Who will win the 2026 Ballon D'or? 🏆⚽

[ZeroVinsonN]

At this point I would definitely put Lamine Yamal ahead because he has won trophies for Barcelona in club football and his team also won the World Cup trophy. Although I expected better from Yamal in the World Cup tournament but his performance was definitely not bad. Now if we consider the overall factors based on personal performance including World Cup performance, club performance and trophies then I would definitely keep Lamine Yamal ahead. But his rivals are no less. Mbappe, Rodri and Kane are good contenders for the Ballon D'or. As a fan, everyone will give various arguments to keep their supporters ahead, but only impartial votes will find the true talent.

Yesterday, Yamal, along with Gavi, was the worst player on Barcelona's roster according to Sofascore, despite Barcelona winning 5-0:
https://www.sofascore.com/football/match/elche-fc-barcelona/rgbsWgb#id:16416311
A very big score, but Yamal didn’t earn either an assist or a goal and was substituted in the 65th minute, and then it was clear that he was clearly unhappy with himself sitting on the bench. It is well known that formally this season does not belong to the past and his performance now should not be taken into account, but nevertheless, those who vote now will take this into account.

Just one match? That's barely enough to judge him with, plus it's not like he needs to score in every single match he plays in, sure they were alot of goals from Barcelona so I do understand that people would expect him to be one of the people scoring these goals but there is always the next match.
Plus even if he doesn't win this year there is always another year, he is the youngest of the most likely to win this thing with a bright career ahead of him, one bad match isn't going to change that.

[alastantiger]

It's quite understandable that a player won't always be fit to play due to some certain reason which can be as a result of mental health, slight injury or any other thing that could cause decrease in the performance of a player, the way they hyped Yamal, I think he's kind of an overrated player when you compare the era of Messi and Ronaldo, these players presence in a game did a lot of wonders and we could see over the past decade plus how they've kept form, especially Argentina Lionel Messi at his age still performs as if he's in his mid 20's.

What I think is happening is poor players management that is making the players we have now like Yamal not being able to replicate the success of those two players you called their names. From a very young age, Yamal has become the main player for Barcelona and Spain and that is showing on him physically already as he has not been able to perform at his best. He needs a break and then he will come back better and fit, Ronaldo and Messi did not play this high numbers of games in their early stages because they have good players around them but Yamal is being over used.

[alegotardo]

What I think is happening is poor players management that is making the players we have now like Yamal not being able to replicate the success of those two players you called their names. From a very young age, Yamal has become the main player for Barcelona and Spain and that is showing on him physically already as he has not been able to perform at his best. He needs a break and then he will come back better and fit, Ronaldo and Messi did not play this high numbers of games in their early stages because they have good players around them but Yamal is being over used.

I agree with your opinion in some extent... its true that workload and the lack of protection for a player who is still developing can affect his future, but I do not think that a drop in performance can automatically to be attributed to this workload. We can even use Ronaldo as an example, because he also had a high workload when arrived at Manchester United.

Of course, injuries is a problem, but you ca not attribute them only to excessive minutes on the pitch. Take Neymar for example: he barely played and spent a lot of time injured... he was also a prodigy who unfortunately suffered from injuries without spending much time on the pitch.

[uneng]

Yes, I'd like Kane to win. I don't see Rodri winning the Ballon d'Or again. Besides, I think if it's the Ballon d'Or, it should be for the top scorers; it shouldn't be that difficult.

What's generating the most discussion is that FIFA has done some things recently that haven't gone down well. If the Ballon d'Or competition is based on flawed criteria and they choose a player completely out of step with what many people think globally, the Ballon d'Or will once again be seen as a farce.

Mbappe is in the best position to win Ballon D'or and not Kane even though, Kane scored the highest goals in all competitions. Mabppe proved that he's a player that can outshine any striker in any competition that he is participating.

Kane is pretty good no doubt, but it's sad that Mbappe performance outshine his because of the three golden boots he won as the highest goal scorer.

From the list of favorite candidates, without any doubts Mbappe is the best player. Thinking on the last world cup, he was more decisive for France than Kane was for England and the others were for their respective national teams. Actually, Kane is overrated. Yamal is too young, so he still has potential to develop and the other players are good in assistances for their teams, but not as decisive players who score when their teams most need.

Mbappe is the one who reaches closer to Messi in efficiency and versatility on the field. And Messi is a good reference of top tier soccer player in the world.

[ndutndut]

Mbappe goals are just individual performance. He didn't win anything with his teams ,both France and Real Madrid. Team achievements is an important criteria in this Ballon d'or, that's what will not make him to win the Ballon d'or. But if you look at other candidates, they all have individual performances (might not be as great as Mbappe's own) but they all won something with either their Clubs and nation. There's no way mbappe can finish over kane or Lamine Yamal who have both individual and team achievements.

Scoring a goal is it not team work, being a highest goal scorer in 3 big competition is not easy at all, in La Liga he was the highest goal scorer, in the champions League he was the highest goal scorer and in the Almighty world cup he was also the highest goal scorer, I believe mbappe deserves to win the ballon d'Or because when it comes to individual performance he has done very well, more than expected.
You can't compare Lamine Yamal and kane to Mbappe because mbappe is better than them when it comes to individual performance, I don't think trophy should be considered more because ballon d'Or is an individual award.

Yes. I agree with you because the Ballon d'Or is indeed an individual award, even though historically it has always considered the impact on team success. However, what Mbappe has achieved this year will be hard for other players to replicate, becoming the top scorer in 3 major competitions is certainly an outstanding achievement. It might take several decades for someone to match Mbappe by becoming the top scorer in the league, UCL, and World Cup.

So it seems unlikely that Mbappe won't win the Ballon d'Or this year. I hope the journalists and other voters know what they're doing because his records and individual performances are there for everyone to see.

[Frankolala]

So it seems unlikely that Mbappe won't win the Ballon d'Or this year. I hope the journalists and other voters know what they're doing because his records and individual performances are there for everyone to see.

If we see a different result from what's expected and not Mbappe, the winner of this year's Ballon D'or, it means that it was manipulated and that will be unfair from FIFA side because we have seen Mbappe incredible performance in all competitions. He is gifted and talented with scoring goals and it's so easy for him to find the back of the net. He got an hat-trick two days ago, against Real Sociedad.

[Antotena]

What I think is happening is poor players management that is making the players we have now like Yamal not being able to replicate the success of those two players you called their names. From a very young age, Yamal has become the main player for Barcelona and Spain and that is showing on him physically already as he has not been able to perform at his best. He needs a break and then he will come back better and fit, Ronaldo and Messi did not play this high numbers of games in their early stages because they have good players around them but Yamal is being over used.

Excuse me! Yamal is not the main player of Barcelona, maybe what the sponsors want to picture in you guys mind is what is working. Lewandowski has been the best player and main character in Barcelona but has remain in the shadow all this while. He is not even the type that you see in media chasing clout but he always deliver for Barcelona. He didn't have much appearance last season but he did well with 14 goals and Yamal had just 11 and they think he is the best. Lol.

Why should a player that had 1 goal in World cup, his first one ever be looking like he did better than some other players, it's not done that way, even the media loves him but Balon D'or isn't the media. There are people that did better than him last season and are Balon deserving ahead of him.

[KTChampions]

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So it seems unlikely that Mbappe won't win the Ballon d'Or this year. I hope the journalists and other voters know what they're doing because his records and individual performances are there for everyone to see.

The probability of Mbappe winning the Ballon d'Or is just over 7 percent. I doubt he can do anything to change this situation (even if he scores the same hat trick he did in the last game in every game).
Yesterday I watched the Barcelona - Athletic game and noticed that Yamal played much better than in the previous game where he received a rating of 6.6, yesterday he was rated as 7.6. But what caught my attention was this bandage on his arm, which again appeared out of nowhere without any explanation... The theory that he uses doping from time to time is starting to seem less and less crazy to me.

[yixichloro2xx]

~
So it seems unlikely that Mbappe won't win the Ballon d'Or this year. I hope the journalists and other voters know what they're doing because his records and individual performances are there for everyone to see.

The probability of Mbappe winning the Ballon d'Or is just over 7 percent. I doubt he can do anything to change this situation (even if he scores the same hat trick he did in the last game in every game).
Yesterday I watched the Barcelona - Athletic game and noticed that Yamal played much better than in the previous game where he received a rating of 6.6, yesterday he was rated as 7.6. But what caught my attention was this bandage on his arm, which again appeared out of nowhere without any explanation... The theory that he uses doping from time to time is starting to seem less and less crazy to me.

What the hell bro, that is a rubbish theory. I have never heard or seen any news outlets saying anything about that. He has the bandage on his hand in the first half, I remembered that he pulled it off after missing a chance towards the end of the first half. He wore it back in the second half. If he was using any sort of doping drug, his teammates would have caught him doing that . So let's stop bringing wrong information or theory here. Obviously he had a very bad first half, but he came back better in the second half, which has happened multiple times last season.  

Mbappe doesn't have any chance to win the Ballon d'or, his only achievements last season was goals and golden boot. He can't beat both Harry kane and Lamine Yamal in other categories or criteria of the Ballon d'or. I might even put Dembele in the 3rd position, but  I don't rate his league appearances.

[KTChampions]

The probability of Mbappe winning the Ballon d'Or is just over 7 percent. I doubt he can do anything to change this situation (even if he scores the same hat trick he did in the last game in every game).
Yesterday I watched the Barcelona - Athletic game and noticed that Yamal played much better than in the previous game where he received a rating of 6.6, yesterday he was rated as 7.6. But what caught my attention was this bandage on his arm, which again appeared out of nowhere without any explanation... The theory that he uses doping from time to time is starting to seem less and less crazy to me.

What the hell bro, that is a rubbish theory. I have never heard or seen any news outlets saying anything about that. He has the bandage on his hand in the first half, I remembered that he pulled it off after missing a chance towards the end of the first half. He wore it back in the second half. If he was using any sort of doping drug, his teammates would have caught him doing that . So let's stop bringing wrong information or theory here. Obviously he had a very bad first half, but he came back better in the second half, which has happened multiple times last season.  
~

The fact that you haven't heard something doesn't mean anything at all, you should be a little more humble and accept your ignorance instead of considering your ignorance as a measure of truthfulness 
For example, UEFA has already fined Yamal for failing to comply with doping testing procedures. Okay, this is just a procedural violation, but still there were some info.

Barca’s Yamal, Lewandowski fined for doping test violations

https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/barcas-yamal-lewandowski-fined-doping-test-violations-flick-suspended-3958781

I'd like to know why he wears that bandage. At first, it seemed like he was imitating Benzema and it was part of his image, but now it looks increasingly ridiculous.

[Shussainshah]

So it seems unlikely that Mbappe won't win the Ballon d'Or this year. I hope the journalists and other voters know what they're doing because his records and individual performances are there for everyone to see.

If we see a different result from what's expected and not Mbappe, the winner of this year's Ballon D'or, it means that it was manipulated and that will be unfair from FIFA side because we have seen Mbappe incredible performance in all competitions. He is gifted and talented with scoring goals and it's so easy for him to find the back of the net. He got an hat-trick two days ago, against Real Sociedad.

One or two matches can't define you, you are favourite to win the balloon d'or. Mbappe is definitely in that's list but I think if you see yamal last season and then has worldcup performance I think everyone will agree yamal is deserve more then Mbappe especially.  But on the other hand some more player which can make himself in that's list are Harry kane and Kavraskali as well are in that's podium but I think Harry kane have the upper hand in that's list but he will be in the yamal list and both score some amazing goal last season and in worldcup as well but overall Yamal will be the winner of 2026 Ballon D’or.

[EarnOnVictor]

What I think is happening is poor players management that is making the players we have now like Yamal not being able to replicate the success of those two players you called their names. From a very young age, Yamal has become the main player for Barcelona and Spain and that is showing on him physically already as he has not been able to perform at his best. He needs a break and then he will come back better and fit, Ronaldo and Messi did not play this high numbers of games in their early stages because they have good players around them but Yamal is being over used.

Your assessment is very wrong about Yamal, and importantly, the young star has never for once complained, or being medically stress/strained for any reason. Besides, young blood burns like fire; all they would be thinking of is to play, especially as he gains and enjoys the ovation and still have the youthfulness in him. When a player didn't score, it's often attributed to many things, but this wouldn't have been if he scored. Goal scoring doesn't relate to that. He had more than a full month after the world cup to rest, so I see no reason why this is being said as a reason.

[Pandu Geddon]

If we see a different result from what's expected and not Mbappe, the winner of this year's Ballon D'or, it means that it was manipulated and that will be unfair from FIFA side because we have seen Mbappe incredible performance in all competitions. He is gifted and talented with scoring goals and it's so easy for him to find the back of the net. He got an hat-trick two days ago, against Real Sociedad.

The determination is based on the voting system, right? How could manipulation be done? Although there might still be gaps for manipulation, it still requires a lot of effort to get support from everyone who has the right to vote. Believe me, whoever the winner is, everything is based on considerations that should indeed be the case. All the candidates are talented players. Some are even young players with long careers ahead. There are still many opportunities.

[SuperBitMan]

I can see that everyone has their own best player they want to win the ballon d’Or, the players that are listed are very good players which we know, however like I will always say Mbappe has done more better than every player and he should be given the ballon d’Or.

For the fact that he did very well in the World Cup and also in the league he played at, he should be giving the ballon d’Or because he has been the best so far among all the players in the World Cup and in league performance.

[danadc]

The controversy over the Ballon d’Or has not really diminished this year.
For those of us who love football, your point is probably right, but the Ballon d’Or does not actually bring out the best players by looking at the number of goals. The player who wins the Ballon d’Or is judged on several factors, his personal performance, team success, good behavior and fair play and standards. And the Ballon d’Or is not actually an award of FIFA itself. The Ballon d’Or is an award of France Football. But we often think wrong and blame FIFA for the controversy over choosing the best player to win the Ballon d’Or.

You're right, the problem is the bad taste left by FIFA after the World Cup. Even those who know the least about football think FIFA controls everything, but FIFA's corruption definitely affects the Ballon d'Or. People have seen so much corruption at FIFA that anything they do in a football tournament will be under intense scrutiny; it's something that can't be covered up anymore.

The criteria you mentioned are excellent, but sometimes they've chosen Ballon d'Or winners who don't meet those criteria, and that only fuels the controversy.

[SamReomo]

I can see that everyone has their own best player they want to win the ballon d’Or, the players that are listed are very good players which we know, however like I will always say Mbappe has done more better than every player and he should be given the ballon d’Or.

Mbappe has very low chance of winning ballon d’Or, I think we should choose between Yamal and Kane both of those have much higher chance of winning it instead of even considering Mbappe for it. I personally think that Kane might be on top but this time Yamal might be the winner and he'll be the youngest Ballon d'Or winner. However, it will be tough for him to win against Kane but I think there's still high chance for him to win it.

[Zlantann]

The fact that you haven't heard something doesn't mean anything at all, you should be a little more humble and accept your ignorance instead of considering your ignorance as a measure of truthfulness  
For example, UEFA has already fined Yamal for failing to comply with doping testing procedures. Okay, this is just a procedural violation, but still there were some info.

Barca’s Yamal, Lewandowski fined for doping test violations

https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/football/news/barcas-yamal-lewandowski-fined-doping-test-violations-flick-suspended-3958781

I'd like to know why he wears that bandage. At first, it seemed like he was imitating Benzema and it was part of his image, but now it looks increasingly ridiculous.

Players have different reasons for wearing bandages on their arms. Besides injuries, it could be their style or good luck rituals. The news that Yamal and Lewandowski were fined for violating UEFA doping procedures shouldn't be a concrete reason to suspect the Spanish international of drug use. Players were supposed to go to the Doping Control Station after the Barca game but failed to report. There might be some reason for their inability to report. Losing a semifinal game in such a prestigious competition could be frustrating. The pain of losing such an important game could make a player misbehave.

You really want to know why the Spanish wonderkid wears a bandage? This is what he said about it.

"I bandage it because, while playing PlayStation, I hit the TV and smashed my fingers; they swelled up a lot," Yamal admitted. He went on to explain that once the swelling subsided, he decided to keep the look as a tribute to former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. "From then on, I bandaged them, and the bandage felt really good, like I was Karim Benzema. We did the KB9 joke, and I just kept it on, and it looks great, I think, so I’m keeping it."

I don't think it looks ridiculous because many young players are copying the style.

[Sunshine1525]

Mbappe has very low chance of winning ballon d’Or, I think we should choose between Yamal and Kane both of those have much higher chance of winning it instead of even considering Mbappe for it. I personally think that Kane might be on top but this time Yamal might be the winner and he'll be the youngest Ballon d'Or winner. However, it will be tough for him to win against Kane but I think there's still high chance for him to win it.

If he was a world Cup finalist or winner then the chances of winning it would've been higher than it is so he's out of the picture and the three people i feel would win it are Yamal, Harry Kane and Rodri, they stand more better chance than Mbappé.

Harry Kane's Champions League stats and Bayern Munich winning their league plus England being 3rd runner in the WC gives him a boost but i placed Yamal before him cause Spain won the WC and Barcelona won the league trophy too so voters would favour him for being a WC winner, as for Rodri he'll be the 3rd runner up cause his WC performance was fantastic.

[Daniel91]

An important contribution to this discussion was made today by Real coach Mourinho.
In his opinion, the Ballon d’Or award cannot be given to a player just because of the trophies he has won, even if they are trophies for winning the World Cup or the Champions League. Mourinho believes that if we want to give the Ballon d’Or award for the trophies won, the World Cup or the Champions League, then Luis Enrique or De La Fuente should be awarded. The best footballer in the world does not have to be a member of the winning team, PSG or Spain.
Mourinho believes that this award involves too much politics and that he does not like it and that this award should be given to footballers who we will miss forever when they retire, such as Maradona, Zidane, Matthäus, etc.
What do you think about that?

Source: https://www.managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf-la-liga/112026/jose-mourinho-the-ballon-dor-has-politics-and-if-politics-gets-involved-i-dont-like-it-so-much

[Samlucky O]

An important contribution to this discussion was made today by Real coach Mourinho.
In his opinion, the Ballon d’Or award cannot be given to a player just because of the trophies he has won, even if they are trophies for winning the World Cup or the Champions League. Mourinho believes that if we want to give the Ballon d’Or award for the trophies won, the World Cup or the Champions League, then Luis Enrique or De La Fuente should be awarded. The best footballer in the world does not have to be a member of the winning team, PSG or Spain.
Mourinho believes that this award involves too much politics and that he does not like it and that this award should be given to footballers who we will miss forever when they retire, such as Maradona, Zidane, Matthäus, etc.
What do you think about that?

Source: https://www.managingmadrid.com/real-madrid-cf-la-liga/112026/jose-mourinho-the-ballon-dor-has-politics-and-if-politics-gets-involved-i-dont-like-it-so-much

In my opinion, I don't think his wrong in the opinion he gave, like the name implies, it's an individual award which reflects the individual players performance throughout a particular season. The criteria should be based on what the individual did for the team in terms of performance, that should be the main criteria before we start looking at trophies won as a team collectively. One tournament shouldn't be used either because players were all involved in the domestic competitions which is the league and cup games, the champions league of their various continents and lastly the World cup. Players should be judged according to how they performed in these competitions and not only the world cup.