Kane, Yamal, Mbappé: the tight race for the Ballon d'Or 2026

The France Football Ballon d'Or gala took place in London, marking a significant change from its usual Paris venue. This year's event was notable for the uncertainty surrounding the winner, with several strong contenders including Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi. The top ten finalists were revealed prior to the ceremony, with no Portuguese players making the cut. The event celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or, honoring its first recipient, Stanley Matthews. The gala was hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's awards.