Relaño speeds up his Ballon d'Or vote fearing scandals
On the night of Monday 26 October, under the lights of London, the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to announce the winner, with the clock striking nine o'clock. Attendees, including journalists and former players, await the revelation that will define the season. The announcement was broadcast through the Propias column of Barcelona.
A highly contested edition
This edition is shaping up as one of the most contested, as there is no clear favorite among the contenders. Among the deserving candidates stand out Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Fabián Ruiz, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Rodri.
Football talk shows are filled with debates about who should claim the award. On Sunday, the program 'El Partidazo de COPE' devoted part of its broadcast to this topic, gathering various opinions.
Alfredo Relaño's voting method
Alfredo Relaño has been responsible for the Spanish vote for the Ballon d'Or from 2014 until last year, accumulating more than a decade of decisions. During his tenure, his top choices were: Cristiano Ronaldo (2014, 2016, 2017), Lionel Messi (2015, 2023), Antoine Griezmann (2018), Virgil van Dijk (2019), Robert Lewandowski (2021), Karim Benzema (2022), Vinícius Júnior (2024) and Lamine Yamal (2025).
“I would rush for some reason – which never happened – that someone might slip up, hit a woman or get into trouble,” Relaño confessed when questioned by Juanma Castaño. He assured that his speed aimed to prevent a scandal from altering his choice.
The voting window is broad, but if a scandal arises afterward, the already cast vote remains valid. Relaño recalled that the decision must be based on performance up to 19 July, the day of the World Cup final, and that current matches should not count.
Regarding external pressures, the journalist recalled that Tomás Roncero demanded he always vote for five Real Madrid players in the top spots. Relaño replied with laughter that he perceives no contamination and that each voter chooses who he deems appropriate.
The voting will close on Monday 28 September, and according to Relaño's logic, the winner will be the one he would first pick to build his team among the thirty candidates. His method, based on the first choice for an ideal eleven, underscores the importance of personal perception in such a prestigious award.