Speculation swirls as Ballon d’Or race narrows ahead of London ceremony
With the official Ballon d’Or 2026 verdict set for 26 October in London, speculation about who will succeed Ousmane Dembélé as the 70th winner is intensifying. The award’s prestige has never seemed more open, and several names are already emerging as frontrunners.
Key contenders highlighted
Lamine Yamal, fresh from Spain’s World Cup triumph, is widely tipped as a leading favourite. Harry Kane, who enjoyed a high‑profile season with Bayern Munich, also features prominently in the conversation. Other notable mentions include Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint‑Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the reigning champion Ousmane Dembélé, who lifted the Champions League for a second consecutive year.
In a recent revelation, Spanish journalist Juan Jesus announced that Lionel Messi will attend the ceremony in London. He explained on X that Messi’s presence is symbolic, as the Argentine legend will hand the trophy to the new laureate on stage.
Messi’s involvement is seen as a strong hint favouring Yamal, drawing a parallel with the historic moment when the Barcelona prodigy received the award from the Argentine icon during a famed photo‑shoot.
The octuple Ballon d’Or winner also remains among the thirty nominees, adding further intrigue to the upcoming ceremony.