Ballon d'Or countdown hints at Dembélé's successor

Tick‑tack, tick‑tack… In less than two weeks the successor to Ousmane Dembélé on the Ballon d’Or roll of honour will be known. The France Football trophy will be handed over on October 26 in London, and the betting is frantic around the next winner.

The favourites and their arguments

Paris Saint‑Germain, French champions and Champions League winners with PSG, feature among the favourites. Among the other candidates are Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Michael Olise, Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

At 39, Lionel Messi could have claimed the award if he had won the 2026 World Cup final with Argentina, but he will probably have to settle for an honourable place, possibly within the top 10.

Journalist Juan Jesus indicated on X that Messi’s presence in London is not symbolic: he will be tasked with handing the prestigious trophy to the new winner in person.

Some interpret this role as a major clue: the presentation of the Ballon d’Or by Messi would be a sign that Lamine Yamal will be the lucky winner.

A Barcelona legend now at Inter Miami, Messi would thus pass the torch to the player observers describe as his heir under the blaugrana shirt.

In any case, the suspense remains total and the London ceremony promises to be the stage for a symbolic moment for world football.