Ballon d'Or website leak names three different winners before ceremony
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony descended into chaos after three separate articles were accidentally published on its official website, prematurely naming Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal as winners. All three pieces were swiftly removed before the event began at the London Palladium. The leaked articles detailed each player's claimed triumph, with Kane cited for a record-breaking goal haul, Mbappe for World Cup and club success, and Yamal for becoming the youngest winner in history at age 19. The trio are the top favourites among a shortlist including Bruno Fernandes, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi. The gaffe occurred ahead of the 70th annual awards evening, with the Yamal article specifically noting his achievement would surpass records set by Messi and Ronaldo Nazario. The official winner was scheduled to be revealed later on Monday night.