Announced as one of the most indecisive editions in modern history, the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is now sealed. After weeks of intense debates and a fierce media campaign, the vote officially closed on Monday, September 28. The name of Ousmane Dembélé’s successor has been confirmed, but we will have to wait until the ceremony on October 26 to discover the verdict.
The 100 journalists from the FIFA top 100 have submitted their ballots. They no longer have the possibility of adjusting their top 10. The unprecedented opening of this 2026 vintage will have pushed the contenders to throw their last strength into the battle. Kylian Mbappé, irresistible during the World Cup where he finished top scorer, nevertheless pays for his collective trophy cabinet depleted this season.
At Paris SG, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also had ambitions, but the Frenchman did not have the regularity of last year, while the Georgian was deprived of the World Cup. Lionel Messi, despite a remarkable run to the final with Argentina, pays for the lack of weekly rhythm in MLS.
Lamine Yamal new favorite
Facing them, the Spanish contingent puts forward solid arguments: Rodri relies on his title of best player of the World Cup, and Lamine Yamal on his coronation of world champion. Finally, Harry Kane displays a terrifying balance sheet with 73 goals in all competitions.
This uncertainty translates directly to bookmakers. Long established at the top of the predictions thanks to his clinical effectiveness at Bayern Munich, Kane was nevertheless measured: “Last season was the best of my life. Reaching 73 goals speaks of a group and a job accomplished. Now it’s no longer in my hands. »
However, a last minute changeover took place on prediction platforms like Polymarket. Lamine Yamal has just returned to the top of the odds with a 45% chance of winning, narrowly ahead of the prolific English striker (42%). Behind this duel at the top, Mbappé and Messi maintain regular supporters thanks to their global notoriety.
The game is now over. The mystery will be solved on Monday October 26 on the stage of the London Palladium Theater. A symbolic relocation to London organized to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Sir Stanley Matthews’ first coronation.
