2026 Ballon d’Or: Voters reveal two top players to win award

The journalists responsible for voting in the 2026 Ballon d’Or have disclosed the two players most likely to claim the prestigious award. The vote cast by journalists from 100 countries has generated a clear frontrunner. The odds indicate a tight race between Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spanish), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/French), Rodri (Barcelona/Spanish), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG/Georgian) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentinian).

The journalists have pledged secrecy to France Football, the organizers, regarding their individual choices. However, a few journalists discussed their deliberations in an off-the-record interview with Cadena SER's Héctor González. González shared that the general consensus among the voting journalists favors Harry Kane. He noted that while Mbappe's talent is undeniable, he falls short in the eyes of the voters as he hasn't secured any titles during the year under review.

González elaborated that Mbappe's main drawback is the lack of significant achievements with Real Madrid or the French national team. Consequently, Mbappe's chances of winning the Ballon d’Or seem to be eliminated, leaving a fierce competition between Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.