London set to host the Ballon d’Or gala – Mbappé in focus

In the elegant hall of London's Royal Albert Hall, there is a tense anticipation, while the votes for the Ballon d’Or selection have already been submitted. The decision on who will be crowned the world footballer in 2026 has long been made, but the announcement will only take place on October 26 as part of a ceremonial gala.

Relocation of the Gala to London

Traditionally the award ceremony took place in Paris, but this year the event will be held in London. The change marks the 70‑year anniversary of the Ballon d’Or and underscores the international significance of the award.

Mbappé as the Clear Favorite

Kylian Mbappé, the 27‑year‑old Frenchman, is at the centre of the discussion. In the 2025/26 season he scored 42 goals and provided seven assists for Real Madrid in 44 matches, was again the top scorer in La Liga with 25 goals, and netted 15 times in the Champions League, having played in eleven games.

Additionally, he crowned himself the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup, which further strengthens his candidacy. Despite Real Madrid's elimination in the quarter‑finals against FC Bayern, Mbappé's individual performance remains the main argument.

Other names being discussed beforehand include Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Rodri, while Lionel Messi is even occasionally mentioned. However, a clear top favourite cannot be identified.

The criteria for the selection remain unchanged: individual performance, team success as well as the player's class and fair play. Only performances from the 2025/26 season, including the 2026 World Cup, will be taken into account; the new season does not play a role.

Mbappé himself emphasizes the significance of his achievements: “Finishing as the top scorer in all the major competitions where the best players in the world face each other is significant. I don’t know if that has ever been achieved before. I believe history should always be honoured.”