Pride, prestige, profile - the great Ballon d'Or campaign
Summary
The 2026 Ballon d'Or, an award for the best football (soccer) player, is generating a lot of attention ahead of a ceremony tied to the World Cup year. Many players and clubs are campaigning for the prize, with media and experts discussing favorites like Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Kylian Mbappe.Key Facts
- Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d'Or in 2025 and is campaigning for the 2026 award.
- The 2026 Ballon d'Or is especially significant because it follows a World Cup year.
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has a record 10 players on the 30-man shortlist.
- The award is voted on by journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.
- Some experts criticize the campaigning and lobbying around the award.
- Lamine Yamal is considered a strong favorite by some experts despite some controversy over other players not making the shortlist.
- Kylian Mbappe aims to win the Ballon d'Or for the first time and is regarded highly by football figures.
- The Ballon d'Or focuses on individual achievement in football, often sparking much debate among fans and professionals.
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