Ballon d'Or 2026: Messi headlines 10-man men's shortlist in London
· Sports · Times of India, Sportstar, Sky News
Lionel Messi headlines a 10-man men's Ballon d'Or shortlist revealed at London's Palladium, joined by Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and 16-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. The eligible period ran from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026, with Messi seeking a record ninth title after Argentina's World Cup campaign. Kane arrives with 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich, while Mbappé recorded 58 goals and 13 assists for Real Madrid, though his lack of major team honours is a factor. Youngster Yamal contributed 25 goals and 20 assists in 57 appearances, emerging as a serious contender at just 19 years old.
Why it matters
The award crowns the best men's player globally, with voting by specialist journalists weighing individual statistics against team trophies — Messi could extend his record to nine titles while Mbappé and Kane aim to break his dominance despite Real Madrid's league triumph.
Read the original report — Times of India
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