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·15 September 2026
Ballon d'Or race mirrors an election as contenders deploy contrasting campaigns
Ballon d'Or race mirrors an election as contenders deploy contrasting campaigns | OneFootball
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The Ballon d'Or campaign is playing out like a presidential race. Strategies range from pointed soundbites to clubs preferring the pitch to do the talking.
According to L'Équipe, Ousmane Dembélé is the reigning winner and once again among the leading favourites.
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Some contenders run a long game, launching their push as early as spring, with Harry Kane among the early starters.
Others prefer a late surge close to the vote, a route taken by Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Club messaging varies too. PSG lean towards a one-for-all approach, while Real are more all-for-one.
Source: L'Équipe
“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”
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