{
  "id": 16549610,
  "title": "Kane, Yamal and Mbappe lock horns in London for Ballon d'Or crown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/kane-yamal-and-mbappe-lock-horns-in-london-for-ballon-dor-crown",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T02:42:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1563658/kane-yamal-and-mbappe-lock-horns-london-ballon-dor-crown"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London will host the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday, with England's Harry Kane leading the pack for the title of world's best footballer. Kimiya Yamal and Kylian Mbappe are also contenders in the highly contested race. The award, first given to Stanley Matthews in 1956, has not crowned an English winner in 25 years. Kane netted 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season, leading Bayern Munich to a league and cup double, as well as England to the World Cup semi-finals. However, his recent semi-final exits in both the Champions League and World Cup may affect his chances. Yamal, who finished second to Ousmane Dembele in 2021, believes he and Mbappe are the two best players in the world, adding that he deserves the award based on his recent successes. Mbappe, despite not winning any trophies this year, boasts personal milestones, including being the top goalscorer in La Liga, Champions League, and World Cup. The award, while not monetary, can lead to significant bonuses and increased marketing value for the recipient.",
  "summary": "LONDON: England captain Harry Kane is the favourite to win a wide open race to be crowned Ballon d’Or winner at a glitzy London ceremony on Monday, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe also in the running to be named the world’s best footballer.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Ballon d'Or 2026: Shearer names two leading candidates to win award on Monday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/ballon-dor-2026-shearer-names-two-leading-candidates-to-win-award-on",
        "published": "2026-10-24T05:04:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "London to host 2026 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony for first time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/london-to-host-2026-ballon-dor-awards-ceremony-for-first-time",
        "published": "2026-10-24T22:45:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}