Mbappé lights up the Ballon d'Or debate as the verdict is sealed

Kylian Mbappé chose the best possible media moment by scoring the two goals of Real Madrid's victory over FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening (2‑1). Despite the brilliance of the performance, it comes well after the verdict expected in London.

Ballon d’Or Rules and Deadlines

The Ballon d’Or regulations set the assessment period from August 3, 2025 to July 19, 2026, the date of the World Cup final. The brace scored on October 25 therefore belongs to the next campaign.

This brace already enriches Mbappé's dossier for the 2027 edition, but it yields no points this Monday. The hundred journalists also submitted their ballot before September 28.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or is therefore already set. The jurors considered only Mbappé's previous season and his performances at the World Cup.

Papin puts Harry Kane ahead of Kylian Mbappé in the Ballon d’Or

The French player already has solid arguments: 58 goals with Real Madrid and the World Cup top scorer title with ten goals.

The new goals from Harry Kane, the latest matches of Lamine Yamal, or the season start of the Parisian candidates do not factor further into the evaluation.

2026 Ballon d’Or launches its ranking this afternoon in London

The brace from the Clasico can influence public perception a few hours before the ceremony in London, but it will not change the ranking. Even a performance delivered the night before the gala cannot alter a vote that has been closed for nearly a month.