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

[KTChampions]

Did you know France football give more perority to World Cup winner like it's a prestigious trophy and in 4 years once a time it happens. So that's why they are giving it more perority. So right now Lamine Jamal is winners and he also has good club performance like at club he won league title as well as Super Cup. So that's why I think they will pick Lamine Jamal.....

Thus far Harry Kane also have good chance because he ha a good individual performance at club level as well in World Cup  he also made a good touch. So maybe he could also got pick for winner. But in my opinion Lamine Jamal is much favorite candidate. Let's see what happens next.

Individual performance comes first, with trophies ranking only second, these are the official criteria. How can you overlook the fact that Yamal didn't make the team of the best players for either the World Cup or the Champions League? An award winner shouldn't be that bad. I’ve come across Yamal’s stats from last season several times today - practically 99% of his goals and assists came against clear underdogs, while he flopped in big games. He shouldn't have made those statements, now the public is scrutinizing him with tenfold zeal 

[GbitG]

.......

Individual performance comes first, with trophies ranking only second, these are the official criteria. How can you overlook the fact that Yamal didn't make the team of the best players for either the World Cup or the Champions League? An award winner shouldn't be that bad. I’ve come across Yamal’s stats from last season several times today - practically 99% of his goals and assists came against clear underdogs, while he flopped in big games. He shouldn't have made those statements, now the public is scrutinizing him with tenfold zeal 

Hmmm that's bit hate obsession....!!!

People will always call it 10 wether you call it "One O" or "Ten"......

Balloon d'Or will be handed to those who have a World Cup or good individual..... So don't denied the fact like don't dig in netty gretty. Let's talk on real theme. In entire history of Ballon d'Or winner "Did you have ever seen someone who have major trophy + good individual performance" and FIFA didn't give him the this prestigious award...... 

I never see such kind of case.... So come on Dude...  don't dive too deep in hate....... It's a football and sometimes you favorite player didn't eligible for such spot. So it doesn't mean that the other is not a deservable.

[Sunshine1525]

For many years a world cup winner have won the Ballon D'or like you rightly stated but there were some years it did not work like that. For instance, in 2022 Argentina won the world cup but Karim Benzema won the Ballon D'or. In 2018 France won the world cup but Luka Modric won the Ballon D'or. Also in 2014 Germany won the world cup but Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon D'or. Even in 2010 when Spain won the world cup hosted in South Africa, Lionel Messi won the Ballon D'or. So these are the exceptions to your theory which means Lamine Yamal may still not win the award this year.

People are just bringing up that stats to favour Yamal, I like him but am not going to be sentimental cause he doesn't deserve it, he might have won the world cup but Harry Kane deserves it more, looking at the stats of both player, Harry Kane did better both in Champions League and in the Bundesliga.

Yamal had a good stats last season but he can do better in future atleast he's proven that by being in the top 3 in the last Ballon d'Or and would still be in the same category this time around but it should go to Harry Kane, whether Spain won the world cup or not.

[KTChampions]

Individual performance comes first, with trophies ranking only second, these are the official criteria. How can you overlook the fact that Yamal didn't make the team of the best players for either the World Cup or the Champions League? An award winner shouldn't be that bad. I’ve come across Yamal’s stats from last season several times today - practically 99% of his goals and assists came against clear underdogs, while he flopped in big games. He shouldn't have made those statements, now the public is scrutinizing him with tenfold zeal 

Hmmm that's bit hate obsession....!!!

People will always call it 10 wether you call it "One O" or "Ten"......

Balloon d'Or will be handed to those who have a World Cup or good individual..... So don't denied the fact like don't dig in netty gretty. Let's talk on real theme. In entire history of Ballon d'Or winner "Did you have ever seen someone who have major trophy + good individual performance" and FIFA didn't give him the this prestigious award...... 

I never see such kind of case.... So come on Dude...  don't dive too deep in hate....... It's a football and sometimes you favorite player didn't eligible for such spot. So it doesn't mean that the other is not a deservable.

It seems like you have no idea what you're writing about, but why don't you at least fact-check your statements? France won the World Cup in 2018, but Modrić received the Ballon d'Or. Germany won the World Cup in 2014, but Ronaldo received the Ballon d'Or. And so on. If you’re allergic to facts, then at least don’t make statements that can be instantly refuted. And there’s no need to make up stories about hatred, why bother, when you theoretically have facts to justify the award given to Yamal, even though he didn't make the list of top performers at the World Cup or in the Champions League?

[obuoma]

For many years a world cup winner have won the Ballon D'or like you rightly stated but there were some years it did not work like that. For instance, in 2022 Argentina won the world cup but Karim Benzema won the Ballon D'or. In 2018 France won the world cup but Luka Modric won the Ballon D'or. Also in 2014 Germany won the world cup but Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon D'or. Even in 2010 when Spain won the world cup hosted in South Africa, Lionel Messi won the Ballon D'or. So these are the exceptions to your theory which means Lamine Yamal may still not win the award this year.

People are just bringing up that stats to favour Yamal, I like him but am not going to be sentimental cause he doesn't deserve it, he might have won the world cup but Harry Kane deserves it more, looking at the stats of both player, Harry Kane did better both in Champions League and in the Bundesliga.

Yamal had a good stats last season but he can do better in future atleast he's proven that by being in the top 3 in the last Ballon d'Or and would still be in the same category this time around but it should go to Harry Kane, whether Spain won the world cup or not.

I also feel that either of Harry Kane and Kylan Mbappe should win the Ballon D'or because both made far much impact in their various teams than Lamine Yamal but it is obviously looking like Yamal enjoys the favor of social media which is why people are bringing up different hypothesis to favor him. Even his girlfriend is actively campaigning for him on social media and I begin to imagine when has Ballon D'or need campaign rather than facts and figures.

[banana33]

Hmmm that's bit hate obsession....!!!

People will always call it 10 wether you call it "One O" or "Ten"......

Balloon d'Or will be handed to those who have a World Cup or good individual..... So don't denied the fact like don't dig in netty gretty. Let's talk on real theme. In entire history of Ballon d'Or winner "Did you have ever seen someone who have major trophy + good individual performance" and FIFA didn't give him the this prestigious award...... 

I never see such kind of case.... So come on Dude...  don't dive too deep in hate....... It's a football and sometimes you favorite player didn't eligible for such spot. So it doesn't mean that the other is not a deservable.

I believe that the Golden Ball should not only be given to those who win the World Cup, so it is an injustice for those who have had a memorable season, where they proved to be very strong throughout the year, to be deprived of the possibility of winning the Golden Ball, i don't agree with this, but unfortunately i have to admit that this often happens around the World Cup.

[GxSTxV]

It seems like you have no idea what you're writing about, but why don't you at least fact-check your statements? France won the World Cup in 2018, but Modrić received the Ballon d'Or. Germany won the World Cup in 2014, but Ronaldo received the Ballon d'Or. And so on. If you’re allergic to facts, then at least don’t make statements that can be instantly refuted. And there’s no need to make up stories about hatred, why bother, when you theoretically have facts to justify the award given to Yamal, even though he didn't make the list of top performers at the World Cup or in the Champions League?

I can only agree with you on the meaningless posts part, I keep seeing the same thing here lately. People make a strong statement first then when someone brings facts to correct it they start talking about hate or personal preference without logic or fairness, which is very important in any sport debate. That doesn’t really help the discussion like that.

The Modric and Ronaldo examples already show that winning the World Cup alone is clearly not an official rule for the Ballon d’Or, based on this, so many players who couldn’t even score or help their team to win may get the chance to compete against very talented players. If someone thinks Yamal deserved it then that’s completely fine, but there should be actual arguments based on his individual performance rather than just saying the others are hating him.

Sometimes I feel people are more interested in defending their favorite player than actually discussing football.

[sergiorus]

It seems like you have no idea what you're writing about, but why don't you at least fact-check your statements? France won the World Cup in 2018, but Modrić received the Ballon d'Or. Germany won the World Cup in 2014, but Ronaldo received the Ballon d'Or. And so on. If you’re allergic to facts, then at least don’t make statements that can be instantly refuted. And there’s no need to make up stories about hatred, why bother, when you theoretically have facts to justify the award given to Yamal, even though he didn't make the list of top performers at the World Cup or in the Champions League?

I can only agree with you on the meaningless posts part, I keep seeing the same thing here lately. People make a strong statement first then when someone brings facts to correct it they start talking about hate or personal preference without logic or fairness, which is very important in any sport debate. That doesn’t really help the discussion like that.

The Modric and Ronaldo examples already show that winning the World Cup alone is clearly not an official rule for the Ballon d’Or, based on this, so many players who couldn’t even score or help their team to win may get the chance to compete against very talented players. If someone thinks Yamal deserved it then that’s completely fine, but there should be actual arguments based on his individual performance rather than just saying the others are hating him.

Sometimes I feel people are more interested in defending their favorite player than actually discussing football.

I already wrote in this thread that before Messi was awarded it in 2023, there were 17 years when Ballon d'Ors weren't given to a World Cup winner. Not even once.

Before that, last time it happened was in 2006, with Fabio Cannavaro.

Interestingly enough, it was a common practice back then: Brazilian Ronaldo, Zidane, Matthaus, Rossi. They all won their Ballon d'Ors in the seasons of winning World Cups.

Anyway, we'll know the results in about 40 days. Not a long wait.

[Coyster]

In my earlier reply in this topic a couple of weeks ago, i voted Ousmane Dembele, but on a second thought, i don't think there is any chance that he is going to win it. He was clearly not the best player in the world in the last football year, not like we had any stand-out candidate like in previous years, but definitely not the PSG superstar.

I'm now leaning towards either Mbappe or Kane. Yes, it is a world cup year, but there was no outstanding Spanish player in the last year. Individually, Mbappe was brilliant both for club and country (in the World Cup). Harry Kane is another candidate, it has to be one of the two.

[igebotz]

I'm now leaning towards either Mbappe or Kane. Yes, it is a world cup year, but there was no outstanding Spanish player in the last year. Individually, Mbappe was brilliant both for club and country (in the World Cup). Harry Kane is another candidate, it has to be one of the two.

Never seen the ballon d'or given to player who went the entire season without a trophy - it's an individual award but team success is part of the requirements. You can't say you were the best when  your performance didn't benefit your team in any way. Unfortunately Mbappe falls into that category.

It's between Yamal and H. Kane this year..

[yixichloro2xx]

I'm now leaning towards either Mbappe or Kane. Yes, it is a world cup year, but there was no outstanding Spanish player in the last year. Individually, Mbappe was brilliant both for club and country (in the World Cup). Harry Kane is another candidate, it has to be one of the two.

Never seen the ballon d'or given to player who went the entire season without a trophy - it's an individual award but team success is part of the requirements. You can't say you were the best when  your performance didn't benefit your team in any way. Unfortunately Mbappe falls into that category.

It's between Yamal and H. Kane this year..

This is also the same thing I have saying for a while now. Mbappe only has individual performance/achievements, and he didn't achieve anything with both his club and country (not even a medal).  He lost super cup final, eliminated at the UCL quarter final, Eliminated at the FIFA world cup semi -final (ending up in 4th place), and lost la liga to Barcelona. He won golden boot for scoring more goals yet he was unable to win best player of the tournament or league in all competitions he played throughout last season. There's no sentiment here , he doesn't deserv the Ballon d'or e, I feel the awards he might win or drag with Harry Kane is the Gerard Muller award/trophy for best goal scorer(that's what fits his profile).

[suzanne5223]

but what i know is that Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal are the most favourite to win the Ballon d'Or

Of all the potential winners, I think realistically for a one-year period with complete achievements, it would be Lamine Yamal. Although he is still young, he has already been the driving force for Spain to win the World Cup. Yamal also plays exceptionally well for Barcelona at a young age. In second place might be Mbappe, with Harry Kane in third. This is just my version there may be differences, which is perfectly normal. The voting deadline is still until September 28, 2026.

Your stance about the Ballon d'Or winner is totally different because every sports fan and bettor I know is rating Harry Kane number 1, with Lamine Yamal in second place and then Mbappe. Besides, the last time I checked the prediction market performance (which was days ago), that's also what I saw, but the voting result may be different, though, and one thing is sure that we'll know who will be selected soon.

[Marykeller]

I'm now leaning towards either Mbappe or Kane. Yes, it is a world cup year, but there was no outstanding Spanish player in the last year. Individually, Mbappe was brilliant both for club and country (in the World Cup). Harry Kane is another candidate, it has to be one of the two.

Never seen the ballon d'or given to player who went the entire season without a trophy - it's an individual award but team success is part of the requirements. You can't say you were the best when  your performance didn't benefit your team in any way. Unfortunately Mbappe falls into that category.

It's between Yamal and H. Kane this year..

This is also the same thing I have saying for a while now. Mbappe only has individual performance/achievements, and he didn't achieve anything with both his club and country (not even a medal).  He lost super cup final, eliminated at the UCL quarter final, Eliminated at the FIFA world cup semi -final (ending up in 4th place), and lost la liga to Barcoelona. He won golden boot for scoring more goals yet he was unable to win best player of the tournament or league in all competitions he played throughout last season. There's no sentiment here , he doesn't deserve the Ballon d'or e, I feel the awards he might win or drag with Harry Kane is the Gerard Muller award/trophy for best goal scorer(that's what fits his profile).

You have given a real reason why Mbappe should not be named the 2026 Ballon d'Or; it is now up to the 100 journalists who are chosen to vote from the top 100 countries in the FIFA ranking to vote and decide who they feel deserves the Ballon d'Or award. It could be Yamal, Harry Kane, or even Mbappe. The ball is in the court of the journalist to tell us who the pick. I suspect it will be Harry Kane.

[famososMuertos]

The date is fast approaching; however, it is worth noting that this promises to be one of the most controversial Ballon d'Or awards in history. The media frenzy has undoubtedly played a role, though World Cup years always stir up controversy.

Ultimately, my three candidates are based in Spain; not necessarily because any of them are Spanish, but because they play for Spanish clubs. Yet, there is an ace up the sleeve: the Messi factor. Had he won the World Cup, it would have been a sure thing... but watch this space: we might witness one final stroke of genius from Messi: winning the Ballon d'Or.

[sergiorus]

I'm now leaning towards either Mbappe or Kane. Yes, it is a world cup year, but there was no outstanding Spanish player in the last year. Individually, Mbappe was brilliant both for club and country (in the World Cup). Harry Kane is another candidate, it has to be one of the two.

Never seen the ballon d'or given to player who went the entire season without a trophy

Luis Figo in 2000. Was a fairly controversial one, possibly the most controversial in history, but yeah, he literally didn't win anything - 2nd place in La Liga, semifinals in UCL, semifinals on the Euro Cup with Portugal (a very surprising one, Portugal was kinda weak back then, possibly it played a big part).

Also Michael Owen in 2001, won UEFA cup though and a couple local English trophies (not the Premier League). Still very controversial.

[igebotz]

Ultimately, my three candidates are based in Spain; not necessarily because any of them are Spanish, but because they play for Spanish clubs. Yet, there is an ace up the sleeve: the Messi factor. Had he won the World Cup, it would have been a sure thing... but watch this space: we might witness one final stroke of genius from Messi: winning the Ballon d'Or.

He had a great season, won a trophy and gave us one of the best individual WC performance in history at 39 - a ballon d'or deserving season but players in Europe top5 league are usually ranked higher. It's a voting award so I wouldn't be surprised if Messi end up winning it lol

I'd prefer that "final stroke of genius from Messi" to Yamal and Mbappe. I can live with that.

Luis Figo in 2000. Was a fairly controversial one, possibly the most controversial in history, but yeah, he literally didn't win anything - 2nd place in La Liga, semifinals in UCL, semifinals on the Euro Cup with Portugal (a very surprising one, Portugal was kinda weak back then, possibly it played a big part).

Also Michael Owen in 2001, won UEFA cup though and a couple local English trophies (not the Premier League). Still very controversial.

Those were not WC years were they?

[KTChampions]

The date is fast approaching; however, it is worth noting that this promises to be one of the most controversial Ballon d'Or awards in history. The media frenzy has undoubtedly played a role, though World Cup years always stir up controversy.

Ultimately, my three candidates are based in Spain; not necessarily because any of them are Spanish, but because they play for Spanish clubs. Yet, there is an ace up the sleeve: the Messi factor. Had he won the World Cup, it would have been a sure thing... but watch this space: we might witness one final stroke of genius from Messi: winning the Ballon d'Or.

Heh, for things to be more controversial than in previous years, something like an alien invasion + change in football rules + win for Sydney Sweeney would have to happen 
I actually think this will be an even duller ceremony than usual, and Kane will win. He’s such a bland, neutral figure - perhaps that’s why everyone is trying to drum up interest in the award, so it doesn't feel too routine this year.
As for Messi, his victory wouldn't even be a farce - everyone is used to it by now, he could win even after retiring.

[sergiorus]

Those were not WC years were they?

No, in 2000 there was the Euro Cup and Copa America. In 2001 - neither of those.

Among the World Cup seasons, the closest shot would be 2010, when Messi didn't win anything other than La Liga (literally nothing else, not even Copa Del Rey) but was still awarded a Ballon d'Or.

That was arguably his most controversial one since we had amazing Xavi/Iniesta winning the World Cup for Spain and being in their prime and Wesley Sneijder, with his sensational UCL win with Inter Milan and silver medals on the World Cup with the Netherlands.

[yixichloro2xx]

HERE IS THE NEW BALLOON D'OR CANDIDATE .
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‎I didn't want to add Lionel Messi in the list of my Ballon d'or candidate, but I have been seeing multiple post and news that he might get into the top 5.
‎To be honest he deserves a spot in this conversation, 39 year old man who broke alot of records in this world. No one has ever done what he did at that age in the greatest tournament of all time, even if he doesn't win it.
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‎His Chances according to polymarket
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‎source: Polymarket
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‎L’Équipe’s front page dedicated to the Ballon d’Or 2026. might be their top candidates list. We know how big the news outlets is.
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‎Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina )(FW)
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‎Major season stats + WC
‎45 goals ⚽
‎30 assists 🅰️
‎46 big chances created
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‎Major Trophies/awards
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‎World cup silver medal (second leading goal scorer and second best player of Tournament) 🥈
‎MLS cup (2025 season , since MLS uses 1 year calendar) 🏆
‎MLS eastern conference cup 🏆
‎MLS MVP
‎MLS Golden boot
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[nelson4lov]

HERE IS THE NEW BALLOON D'OR CANDIDATE .
‎
‎I didn't want to add Lionel Messi in the list of my Ballon d'or candidate, but I have been seeing multiple post and news that he might get into the top 5.
‎To be honest he deserves a spot in this conversation, 39 year old man who broke alot of records in this world. No one has ever done what he did at that age in the greatest tournament of all time, even if he doesn't win it.
‎‎

I have no problem with Messi being in the top 5, as long as they don't over-inflate his contributions and give him the award because there are 2-3 candidates that did better than him last season. Ngl, seeing Messi of the 2022/2023 season where I thought Haaland would win it (UCL title + EPL + FA cup) with 50+ goals. A lot of players will only get one chance to win the Ballon d'or so they shouldn't just give it to Messi because he is one of the legends of the game (which I agree to).