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Top contenders emerge for 2026 Ballon d'Or award

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 26, 2026, 7:10 AM

Last updated Oct 26, 2026

Top contenders emerge for 2026 Ballon d'Or award

Summary

The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or features strong contenders including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi. Each player has achieved significant individual milestones, but the impact of team success varies. Rodri's recent World Cup triumph bolsters his candidacy, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's impressive Champions League campaign positions him well. Messi, despite a World Cup final loss, remains a formidable candidate due to his performance in MLS. The award will be presented on Monday night amidst debate over how individual and team achievements weigh in the voting process.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Harry Kane won Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and German Super Cup.
•Kylian Mbappé won FIFA World Cup Golden Boot and Champions League Top Scorer.
•Lionel Messi secured MLS Cup and was a finalist in the FIFA World Cup.
•Rodri won the FIFA World Cup and was Player of the Tournament.
•Khvicha Kvaratskhelia aided PSG in back-to-back Champions League victories.

Latest Updates

7:10 AMYahoo Sports — Ballon d'Or 2026: Who are the leading contenders?

What they're saying

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The Ballon d'Or race is rarely decided by numbers alone. Club silverware, individual brilliance and performances on the international stage can all shape the vote, with the balance between them often ...
— Yahoo Sports

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