2026 Ballon d’Or: Yamal backed after finishing behind Kane, while Mbappé faces criticism

Harry Kane won his first Ballon d’Or in London on October 26, 2026, ahead of Kylian Mbappé in second place and Lamine Yamal in third. Yamal wrote on Instagram that he trusted the path he was on, while FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he deserved the award; Yamal’s uncle, Abdul Abdellaoui, disputed the result. Mbappé, who achieved the best ranking of his career and finished only a few points behind Kane, posted just a photo with an emoji. Journalist Bertrand Latour criticized him, accusing him of trying too hard to win the Ballon d’Or.