Ballon d'Or 2026 finalists: Messi, Mbappe, Yamal make top ten
Organizers of the 2026 Ballon d'Or have announced the ten finalists competing for the prestigious individual award. The list includes Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal, among others. The top ten features French players Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, and Michael Olise, Norwegian Erling Haaland, Englishman Harry Kane, Georgian Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Argentine Lionel Messi, and three Spaniards: Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal. Last year's winner Dembele is seeking a repeat title, though final rankings have not yet been revealed. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place today, October 26, at the London Palladium theatre, starting at 22:00. Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk and former England footballer Chris Waddle have previously shared their predictions for the winner.