Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has named Lionel Messi as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, overlooking other leading contenders including Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. According to the report, Cech backed the eight-time winner to claim football's most prestigious individual prize once again, despite strong challenges from the England captain, the French forward and the young Barcelona star in the race for the award.

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has named Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as his preferred candidate for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, overlooking Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. According to the Daily Post, Burley dismissed Mbappe's achievements despite the Frenchman scoring 42 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid last season and netting 10 times for France during the 2026 campaign. Burley's remarks highlight the ongoing debate over who should claim football's most prestigious individual award.

France Football is expected to unveil the shortlist of nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or today, and a list of the top five favourites has emerged ahead of the announcement. According to Kalshi, England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is currently leading the race for the prestigious individual prize. The rankings highlight the leading contenders as anticipation builds around the official nominee list for this year's award.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has named his two favourites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, speaking on CBS Sports. According to the Daily Post, Henry picked Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe as his top choice to win the award, with Bayern Munich's Michael Olise tipped to finish close behind the France captain.

Former Arsenal defensive midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said that Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or award. According to Petit, Kvaratskhelia's performances over the last two years justify him winning the prize. Petit added that the Georgian international belongs on a short, non-exhaustive list of contenders for the prestigious individual football honour, according to the Daily Post report.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has backed Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, describing the forward as exceptional. Flick made the comments after Yamal scored twice in Barcelona's 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord on Wednesday. According to the Daily Post, Flick said Yamal is a Barcelona player who would deserve the award, adding his public endorsement of the youngster's credentials for football's top individual honour.