League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Ballon d'Or article wrongly claims Harry Kane has won award

4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 26, 2026, 7:03 PM

Last updated Oct 26, 2026

Ballon d'Or article wrongly claims Harry Kane has won award

Summary

An erroneous article on the Ballon d'Or website announced Harry Kane as the 2026 winner shortly before the official announcement scheduled for later that evening. The article caused significant confusion as it circulated online, leading to questions about its authenticity. Similar articles for other top candidates, including Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, were also found on the site. These articles were removed shortly after being published, though it remains unclear if this was a mistake or an attempt at damage control. The actual winner will be unveiled at the event in London’s Palladium Theatre later on Monday night.

Source Links

ESPN Soccer Yahoo Sports BBC Sport

By the Numbers

•Ballon d'Or website article claimed Harry Kane won the award.
•The announcement was set for Monday evening at London’s Palladium Theatre.
•Articles about Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were also published and removed.
•Confusion arose as media shared Kane's win prior to the official reveal.
•It remains unclear if removal of articles was intentional or accidental.

Latest Updates

7:56 PMESPN Soccer — Ballon d'Or blunder! Site 'leaks' Kane, Yamal and Mbappé as winners
6:33 PMYahoo Sports — Ballon d’Or publishes articles claiming Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe as winners
6:10 PMBBC Sport — Ballon d'Or website blunder causes confusion

What they're saying

"
The official Ballon d'Or website mistakenly published articles naming three different players as winners of the 2026 men's award, hours before Monday's ceremony in London.
— ESPN Soccerby ESPN

"
Harry Kane's dream of winning the Ballon d'Or seemed as if it had come true on Monday when the organisers released an article claiming he had won the award.
— BBC Sport