Sports
2026 Ballon d’Or: I’ll vote for him 100 times – Zidane picks player to win award
France legend Zinedine Zidane has backed Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Messi was included in the 30-man shortlist released by France Football on Tuesday, despite being 39 years old.
The Argentine enjoyed another outstanding year, helping Inter Miami win the MLS title while recording 45 goals and 30 assists.
Messi also led Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in North America, where they eventually lost to Spain.
Zidane believes Messi’s continued performances at the highest level deserve recognition and has strongly backed him for the prestigious individual award.
“I would vote for Messi 100 times,” Zidane said, according to Marca.
“I think people really don’t understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old.”
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The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on October 26.
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