Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are among the leading contenders in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with a winner due to be announced tonight.
Harry Kane
Kane enters the awards night as the bookmakers’ favourite after a remarkable season in front of goal where he scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 campaign, including 61 for Bayern Munich across all competitions.
His scoring record and Bayern’s domestic success have strengthened his bid to become the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé is another strong contender, having scored 58 goals for club and country during the season. His individual numbers include 25 La Liga goals and 15 in the Champions League, while his performances at the 2026 World Cup further boosted his profile having won the golden boot across all competitions he participated in.
However, Real Madrid’s failure to win the Champions League has complicated his case, making his individual brilliance a central argument in his favour.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is seeking to convert his rapid rise into the sport’s biggest individual honour. He recorded 25 goals and 20 assists for club and country during the 2025/26 season, according to Sky Sports. At 19, Yamal could become the youngest-ever men’s Ballon d’Or winner.
Other players in contention
The competition extends beyond the leading trio. Other notable names include:
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Ousmane Dembélé — the Paris Saint-Germain forward and reigning winner, whose performances in the Champions League keep him in the conversation.
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Lionel Messi — the eight-time winner remains among the nominees following another productive campaign with Inter Miami and Argentina.
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Rodri — the 2024 winner, whose influence for Spain could strengthen his prospects.
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Michael Olise — Bayern Munich’s creative winger, whose assist numbers have drawn attention.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — another contender following his contributions to PSG’s European success.
When will the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner be announced?
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium in England. The event marks the first time London has hosted the awards with the ceremony scheduled for 9p.m. Nigerian time.
