Ballon d'Or campaigns intensify ahead of the ceremony in Paris

As anticipation builds for the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, both players and clubs are actively campaigning for recognition. Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 winner, returns amidst a field featuring ten PSG players on the shortlist. Observers note the intense media hype surrounding the event, with significant emphasis on individual performance narratives, particularly in a World Cup year. Kylian Mbappe expressed confidence in his chances, while other players like Lamine Yamal and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia promote their candidacies through media appearances. The winner has already been selected, following the completion of voting by journalists from top FIFA-ranked nations.

• 6:06 AMYahoo Sports — Pride, prestige, profile - the great Ballon d'Or campaign
• 6:06 AMBBC Sport — Pride, prestige, profile - the great Ballon d'Or campaign