2026 Ballon d’Or: Voters Reveal Two Top Players To Win Award

Journalists involved in voting for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have reportedly indicated that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal are the leading contenders for this year’s award.

Journalists from 100 countries submitted votes to determine the winner. However, they signed an agreement with the organisers, France Football, not to disclose their individual selections.

The leading contenders include Kane of England, Yamal of Spain, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona midfielder Rodri, Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

According to Cadena SER journalist Héctor González, discussions with some voters suggest that Kane has emerged as a leading candidate in the race for the prestigious individual award.

“When they’ve spoken with other colleagues who voted, the consensus is that Harry Kane is way ahead,” González said.

He also suggested that Mbappe’s lack of major trophies during the period under review could hurt his chances of winning the award. “That’s what we’re told, because the Frenchman’s biggest flaw is that he hasn’t won any titles with Real Madrid or the French national team,” he added.

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González concluded that the contest could come down to Kane and Yamal, stating: “Therefore, it seems we can rule Mbappe out of the Ballon d’Or race, and it all comes down to a head-to-head between Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.” These comments reflect reported discussions among voters, not an official confirmation of the outcome.