Rarely has the battle for the Ballon d'Or been so exciting: Yamal, Mbappé, Kane or Messi?

The Golden Ball ceremony raises questions about tie-breaking rules if players receive equal points. This year's competition is open, with Yamal, Mbappé, and Kane vying for their first award, while Messi aims for a record tenth. Journalists from top FIFA-ranked countries will vote, awarding points to ten players. The voting period runs until July 19, 2026, coinciding with Spain's World Cup victory. Messi's past performance highlights the importance of a World Cup title, while Mbappé remains confident despite lacking recent trophies. Kane expresses humility about his achievements. If a tie occurs, the number of first-place votes decides the winner, followed by second and third-place votes, with the final decision resting with the editor of France Football. The gala starts at 21:00 in London, featuring awards for both men's and women's categories, as well as other accolades.