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Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé lead 2026 Ballon d’Or race
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has intensified as top football stars and officials engage in public campaigning ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26. 19-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has emerged as a central figure in the debate, asserting that he and Kylian Mbappé are the two best players in the world. Yamal believes his recent achievements, including winning La Liga and the World Cup with Spain, make him the deserving recipient.
Mbappé has also made his case, highlighting his record-breaking 10 goals during the World Cup. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and club president Joan Laporta have both expressed public support for Yamal, defending his confidence against critics. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has voiced support for Lionel Messi, noting his performance with Inter Miami and his historic World Cup run.
The competition features a diverse shortlist of 30 candidates, with significant representation from Paris Saint-Germain. As the voting deadline approaches, the discourse has shifted toward individual campaigning, mirroring historical rivalries such as those between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Ballon d'Or · Ballon d’Or · Eduardo Camavinga · FC Barcelona · France Football · Galatasaray · José Mourinho · Kylian Mbappé · Lamine Yamal · Lionel Messi · London Palladium · Okan Buruk