Yamal, Mbappé or Harry Kane: Who will claim football’s biggest individual prize?

Who will wear the crown of individual excellence in football — Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé or Harry Kane? The wait for an answer is set to end tonight as the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place. Across the football world, speculation is mounting over which star will emerge on top.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1am Bangladesh time on Tuesday at the London Palladium in England. Organised by French magazine France Football, the prestigious awards ceremony is being held in London for the first time. The inaugural Ballon d’Or was won in 1956 by English football legend Stanley Matthews. London was chosen for this year’s event as a tribute to him.

Thirty players have been shortlisted for the men’s Ballon d’Or, including high-profile names such as Yamal, Mbappé and Kane. The list also features Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Lautaro Martínez. Discussions over the potential winner have focused on each player’s performances, achievements and influence on the pitch.

Barcelona’s young star Yamal has an opportunity to reinforce his reputation as one of football’s leading talents. Despite his age, he has already become a major talking point for his performances on the field. French forward Mbappé is another prominent contender in the race for individual recognition, while Bayern Munich’s English striker Kane is also among the names under discussion. Ultimately, however, the outcome will depend on how the voters assess the candidates.

Journalists from 100 countries will vote to select the winner. Their assessment will take into account individual performances, influence in matches, team success and sporting conduct. The decision, therefore, will depend not only on goals scored or star power, but also on each player’s overall contribution throughout the season.

There is no certainty yet over who will lift the Ballon d’Or. Will voters be swayed by Yamal’s youthful brilliance, Mbappé’s global profile or Kane’s goalscoring ability? As the ceremony unfolds in London, the football world will be watching not just for the announcement of the winner, but for the final verdict in one of the sport’s most closely followed individual contests.