The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d'Or reveals a favourite

The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d’Or is speeding up: in less than two weeks, Ousmane Dembélé's successor will be named. The Parisian, French champion and Champions League winner with PSG, is among the favorites.

Schedule and venue of the ceremony

The France Football trophy will be presented on October 26 in London. This international ceremony will bring together the world's best players.

Main candidates

Besides the Parisian, the list includes Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, Michael Olise, Fabian Ruiz and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. All are considered serious contenders.

Lionel Messi's role

At 39, Lionel Messi will not be able to compete, unless he wins the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. He will nevertheless present the Ballon d’Or to the winner, according to journalist Juan Jesus, who notes that the Argentine star will be in London and tasked with handing the trophy over in person.

Juan Jesus said on X that Messi's presence is not symbolic, but that it provides a strong clue for the future laureate.

Some interpret this gesture as a sign that Lamine Yamal could be the lucky winner, the young prodigy of FC Barcelona now at Inter Miami, regarded as the heir to the blaugrana shirt.