Less than two weeks before the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, which will take place on October 26 in London, the suspense remains around the identity of Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©’s successor. While awaiting the verdict, a video generated by Blue Horizon artificial intelligence has been causing a sensation on social networks since Monday evening. A sequence of almost three minutes which imagines a completely crazy chase between several stars of world football.
It all starts in London, where the main contenders for football’s most coveted individual award are gathered. From the first images, Vinicius Jr is refused access to the ceremony, with some questioning his identity. A reference to the unusual theory circulating on social networks, according to which the Real Madrid striker was replaced by a double. In question, the physical changes attributed to him and his performances considered disappointing since the start of the season. In the room, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ© and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia take their places side by side.
But while the announcement of the winner seems imminent, an individual seizes the trophy and flees before the stunned eyes of the public. The ceremony then turns into a spectacular chase. Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane set out in pursuit of the mysterious thief. The Madrid midfielder, however, loses precious seconds when a supporter calls him for a selfie. For his part, the Bayern Munich striker did not hesitate to climb on the back of a motorcycle to try to catch up with the fugitive.
The face of the thief ends up being revealed: it is Kylian Mbappé. While Ousmane Dembélé, winner in 2025, is about to join him, he hits a post. The situation then becomes complicated for the captain of the Blues when Jack Grealish, who comes out of a bar, trips him. The trophy falls to the ground, before Erling Haaland grabs it. But the Norwegian is quickly overtaken by Lamine Yamal, who appears on horseback to steal the precious object. Harry Kane sees his race brutally interrupted by a bus driven by Lionel Messi.
An unexpected duel imagined by AI
This staging comes as the battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or remains particularly open. If no candidate is a big favorite, Harry Kane occupies a special place in the bookmakers’ predictions, despite his relative media discretion. Lamine Yamal and Kylian MbappĂ© complete the leading trio. The two players have spoken more publicly on the subject.
The video ends with an announced duel between the two stars. After being picked up on horseback by his French team teammate Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé found himself facing Lamine Yamal, who kept the trophy in his hands. The young Barcelonan had also presented the two men as the
“two best in the world”. In the final seconds, the Frenchman resolutely advances towards his rival, leaving doubt about the outcome of this fictitious confrontation. One thing is certain: we will still have to wait until October 26 to know the real successor to Ousmane Dembélé.
