Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Early speculationGiveMeSportUnverified source· 27 Sept 2026
Yamal Backed to Beat Messi to 2026 Ballon d'Or
A Barcelona icon has tipped Lamine Yamal to take the 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
Lamine Yamal
player
Player
Lamine Yamal
Award
2026 Ballon d'Or
Ceremony
Palladium Theatre, London
Date
26 October
What happened. Lamine Yamal has been named the strongest candidate to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or by a former Barcelona teammate of Lionel Messi, with Messi, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe also in the frame.
- The ceremony moves to London's Palladium Theatre for its 70th edition, usually held in France.
- Messi, Kane and Mbappe are the other names put forward in the debate.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place on 26 October in London, when the winner will be confirmed.
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