Ballon d'Or 2026 LIVE: Mbappe, Yamal, and Kane Clash in Electrifying Race for Football's Greatest Honor

Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane all harbor ambitions of lifting the Ballon d'Or trophy. For one of the three, that ambition appears destined to be fulfilled. The high-profile trio have been considered the clear frontrunners ever since the 30-man shortlist was announced, following outstanding seasons for both club and country, and one of them looks poised to succeed 2025 winner Ousmane Dembélé.

Alexia Putellas, meanwhile, is the strong favorite to reclaim the Ballon d'Or Féminin from her former Barcelona teammate Aitana Bonmatí, who after three consecutive years of dominance will not be defending her title following an injury-plagued 2025–26 season.

Stay tuned to Sports Illustrated's live updates as the Ballon d'Or honorees across every category are announced.