{
  "id": 5264208,
  "title": "Ballon d’Or 2026: Luka Modric makes stance clear on who wins award",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/ballon-dor-2026-luka-modric-makes-stance-clear-on-who-wins-award",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-03T06:33:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/03/ballon-dor-2026-luka-modric-makes-stance-clear-on-who-wins-award/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an interview with Diario AS, Luka Modric, a Real Madrid legend, has made his position known regarding potential 2026 Ballon d’Or winners. While he declined to single out any specific players, he indicated that there are numerous contenders from Real Madrid and other clubs. The big match will take place in London on October 26. Notable candidates mentioned include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Michael Olise. Modric was asked in the interview about his preferred contender for the prestigious award and responded, \"I honestly don’t know. I prefer not to mention anyone or indicate who deserves it more. The decision lies with the voters. There are numerous candidates from Madrid and other clubs. We will see who prevails; I do not wish to specify names.\" Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 for his exceptional performances with Real Madrid and the Croatian national team, including leading Los Blancos to victory in various tournaments and earning the Golden Ball award for being Croatia's top player in the World Cup final.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid legend, Luka Modric has made his stance clear on who could win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He mentioned that although he would refrain from naming specific individuals, there are several contenders from both Real Madrid and other clubs. France Football has revealed that this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to be held […] Ballon d’Or 2026: Luka Modric makes stance clear on who wins…",
  "key_points": [
    "Luka Modric stated his preference not to single out Ballon d’Or winners.",
    "Notable contenders mentioned: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise.",
    "Modric won Ballon d’Or in 2018 for Real Madrid and Croatia performances."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Luka Modric's comments indicate that he will not influence the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting, leaving the decision to voters and potentially keeping the award open to various contenders from Real Madrid and other clubs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}