An organizational chaos, Lamine's "bad experience" and other behind-the-scenes stories of the closest Ballon d'Or: "Votes have been taken away among the Spaniards"

Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or, surpassing Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, amidst organizational chaos at the London event. The voting was notably close, with Kane reversing an early lead by Mbappé. The ceremony faced delays and confusion, with multiple announcements about the winner leaking prematurely. Lamine Yamal, who received the Kopa Trophy for best young player, expressed disappointment, while Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, defended Yamal's achievements and emphasized the need for sportsmanship in accepting the results. The event marked a historic first for France Football, held outside France to celebrate the award's 70th anniversary.