Here we go.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees are officially out, and if you thought soccer fans were going to agree on who deserves the trophy, you clearly haven’t met soccer fans.
The list features the biggest stars in the world, including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Rodri and the reigning winner, Ousmane Dembélé.
And then there’s the giant elephant in the room:
The 2026 World Cup counts.
That means we’re not just judging another club season. The biggest tournament in international soccer was part of the eligibility period, which could completely change the argument.
Kane has a ridiculous case. Mbappé has a ridiculous case. Yamal has a ridiculous case.
And somebody is still going to complain that their favorite player got robbed.
That’s inevitable.
The ceremony is set for Oct. 26 in London, where the world’s best player will finally be crowned.
Until then, prepare yourself.
The Ballon d’Or discourse is officially back.
And this one is going to be absolute chaos.
