Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal already plan the Ballon d'Or
On Monday evening there is certainty about who will win the Ballon d'Or. While Lamine Yamar is already planning his trip to London with his closest circle, Vinicius Junior from the previous year recalls elaborate preparations that ultimately proved futile. The two talents thus exemplify different expectations for the coveted award.
Lamine Yamal's Travel Plans
Journalist Victor Navarro of Cadena COPE, who is well connected in the circles of FC Barcelona, reports that Yamal will fly to London in a private jet with his closest circle. The official delegation of the Catalans travels in a second private aircraft. Both flights are scheduled to take place on Monday evening.
In the event that Yamal actually wins the golden ball, a celebration has already been prepared. In 2024, Vinicius Junior had organized a party for Real Madrid for twenty invited guests, chartered a private jet for his entourage, and provided an exclusive designer outfit as well as hotel rooms. Nike also prepared a golden campaign and special football boots.
Battle for the Ballon d'Or
On Monday evening, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and Harry Kane of FC Bayern are the three main favorites for the Ballon d'Or, which is awarded annually by France Football. All three may continue to harbour justified hopes. The decision will be determined by the votes by September 28.
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Yamal can score points with the World Championship title for Spain, the planned double with FC Barcelona in 2026, and an impressive tally from the previous season. Despite some injury problems, he played 43 matches, scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists. His season start up to the end of September was breathtaking.
Kylian Mbappe, then 27 years old, crowned himself in the summer at the World Cup as the record goal scorer. In the last season for the Royals (Real Madrid) he scored 42 goals in 44 games, but was unable to win a single title. His form remains impressive nonetheless.
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Harry Kane, 33 years old, is in the best form of his life. In the 2025/26 season he scored 61 league goals in 51 matches for FC Bayern and set up seven goals. Despite a domestic double, a major international title was missing; with the Three Lions he reached third place at the World Cup tournament, while Bayern were eliminated in the Champions League semi‑final against PSG.