The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has drawn attention to three of football’s biggest stars: Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.


The winner of the prestigious award will be announced at a ceremony in London on Monday, October 26, with Bayern Munich striker Kane considered the favourite ahead of his rivals.


Kane has enjoyed an outstanding season for Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 goals across club and international competitions. His performances have strengthened his chances of winning the award for the first time.


If he wins, the England captain would become the first English player to receive the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.



Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is also among the leading contenders. The 19-year-old has impressed with his dribbling, creativity and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Yamal’s performances for Barcelona and Spain have strengthened his reputation as one of football’s brightest young talents. Winning the award would make him the youngest-ever recipient of the men’s Ballon d’Or.


Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé completes the leading trio. The France international scored 58 goals across club and international competitions during the season, maintaining his reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous attacking players.

Although Kane leads the bookmakers’ predictions, Mbappé’s goalscoring record and Yamal’s performances have made the contest difficult to call.



The Ballon d’Or recognises the world’s best footballer based on performances during the assessment period. The final decision rests with the award’s voters, meaning the bookmakers’ favourite is not guaranteed to win.

With the ceremony approaching, football fans are debating which player deserves the honour most.

Who deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappé?