Mbappé tops L’Équipe poll as Yamal misses Balón de Oro podium

Futbol fans in the bustling Paris newsroom of L’Équipe watch a new poll show French Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé leading the Ballon d'Or race with 34.2 percent of votes, while Barcelona teen Lamine Yamal fails to reach the men’s top three in the latest voting round.

Men’s Ballon d'Or poll

Mbappé leads with 34.2 percent, a clear margin over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint‑Germain, who holds 24.3 percent, and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who sits on 8.6 percent. L’Équipe also lists the poll as a preferred source on Google.

Kane, fresh from a record‑breaking season, declared: “It’s the best opportunity of my career”. The English striker hopes the poll translates into a Ballon d'Or triumph.

Despite his meteoric rise, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal does not appear among the three men’s finalists, a surprise given his reputation. His omission underscores the tight competition at the top of the vote.

Young talent and women’s vote

In the best young male category, Yamal dominates with 43.3 percent, far ahead of fellow Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsí.

Cubarsí gathered 22 percent, while Paris Saint‑Germain forward Warren Zaïre‑Emery secured 17.6 percent.

The women’s poll sees Alexia Putellas leading with 26.9 percent, followed by Selma Bacha at 12.9 percent and Wendie Renard on 6.6 percent. Putellas is linked to Barcelona, Bacha to Olympique Lyon, while Renard also represents Lyon, with a nod to London City Lionesses for Putellas.

L’Équipe stresses the poll does not decide the official Ballon d'Or winner; the award will be presented on 26 October in London. The ceremony will reveal which of the favourites finally lifts the coveted trophy.

The voting snapshot offers insight into global preferences ahead of the ceremony, highlighting Mbappé’s strong position and the emerging talent of Yamal among the youth. Fans and pundits will watch closely to see if the poll translates into the final outcome.