With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane are leading the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The award will be determined based on performances from the start of the 2025-26 season through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with voting recently closed. Historical trends suggest that players need significant achievements, particularly in World Cup years, to secure the award.
Mbappé's impressive World Cup performance, where he won the Golden Boot, contrasts with his club's lack of success at Real Madrid. Despite being a top contender, his team's underachievement raises questions about his eligibility for the prestigious award, as past winners often had notable trophies to their names during the voting period.
As the race for the Ballon d'Or heats up, keep an eye on how Mbappé's club performance impacts his chances. With the World Cup looming, players like Yamal and Kane will need to shine not just individually but also lead their teams to success to secure the coveted award.