SI compiled remarks from football figures on who they back to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. SI said a panel of 100 journalists will decide the winner.
Yamal and the case made for him
Lamine Yamal said: "The Ballon d’Or is the award for the best player of the year—the player who stands apart, the one you enjoy watching, the one with that touch of magic who makes you smile and makes you want to watch a match just for them."
He added: "It has nothing to do with the number of goals scored or anything else like that. When I think of the Ballon d’Or, I think of Messi, Ronaldinho—players who are different, who make you dream."
Raphinha said Yamal deserves the prize for his "individual numbers, collective titles, and the magic on the pitch, charisma. There’s no doubt."
SI said Neymar posted on social media earlier in the season that "Lamine Yamal is the best in the world." Zlatan Ibrahimović said during the World Cup that "He is the best player in the world. He’s a special player. Every time he gets the ball, he’s going to create something, no matter if he has two or three defenders in front of him."
Mbappé backed by several voices
Kylian Mbappé said: "I always think I’m the best, but everyone has their own opinion."
He also said: "I think when you play for Real Madrid , the best club in the world, people associate you with this award. There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think."
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho said before Real Madrid’s clash with Málaga earlier in the season: "For me, the Ballon d’Or has to go to those players who, when they retire, we’ll miss forever."
Mourinho also said: "For me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer." Joachim Löw said: "In that respect, I see Mbappé ahead of Yamal and Olise, even though he didn't win a title with France or Real Madrid last season." Thierry Henry said: "But for me, it’s Kylian. When you see what he has achieved individually ... top goalscorer in the Champions League, top goalscorer in La Liga and also the World Cup."
Kane, Messi and other picks
Declan Rice said: "Beyond all of the football stuff, as a person as well, just how he is as a leader, as an actual person, such a good guy. I can’t speak highly enough of him. So, I hope on Monday he has that gold trophy in his hands."
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said: "Messi, without a doubt. After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, no doubt at all. Messi."
Ousmane Dembélé said: "I hope a Parisian will win it. Especially Kvara, who had a very great season. We hope it will be him. For me, he is the best player in the world. His season last year was incredible. No need to talk, we will leave the votes."
Rodri names six Spanish nominees
Rodri said: "What I would really like is for a Spaniard to win it. There are six of us nominated: Cucurella, Cubarsí, Rodri, Ruiz, Lamine, and Ferran. I can tell you that, individually, every one of them absolutely deserves the Ballon d’Or. I think all my teammates have solid arguments."
He added: "Fabián Ruiz is the one who has won the most titles. Cubarsí, for what he has achieved at just 19 years old. Ferran scored the decisive goal in the World Cup final. As for me, I was named Player of the Tournament. And Lamine is incredible."