Ballon d'Or website leaks three conflicting winner articles before ceremony

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The Ballon d'Or website accidentally published three pre-written articles naming Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe as the 2026 men's winner, hours before the ceremony in London, causing confusion over the actual result. Organisers said the posts were prepared in advance for all nominees and did not reveal the podium, which remains unknown. The articles, now removed, were triggered by a leaked link announcing Kane's win, followed by similar links for Mbappe and Yamal. The mix-up occurred ahead of the 70th edition of the award at the Palladium Theatre, with all three versions taken down and no official winner confirmed as of the ceremony's start.


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