Kylian Mbappé leads fan vote for 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Spaniards and Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé heads a readers' pick for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, despite Spain's second world title after a 1-0 extra-time win against Argentina.

According to L'Équipe, more than 35,000 readers voted, with Mbappé taking nearly 32%. France's captain reached the semi-finals and was World Cup top scorer with 10.

He won no club trophy but was top scorer in three competitions, the World Cup, La Liga on 25 and the Champions League on 15. His stock surged after an outstanding tournament.

Rodri sits second on 16%. Manchester City's midfielder, Spain's captain and the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, was named player of the tournament despite injuries. Fabian Ruiz is third on 12.7%, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder also lifted the Champions League.

Next comes a quartet. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the only one not to play the Americas World Cup, hit seven of his 10 Champions League goals in the knockouts to reach 9.8%.

Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, is at 7.9%. Lamine Yamal has 7%, one goal and one assist yet often Spain's main threat. Harry Kane is on 6.4% after 61 club goals and England's third place.

Lionel Messi is at 3.25% after leading Argentina to the final, with his Inter Miami stint counting against him. Michael Olise draws 2.4% after an impressive Bayern Munich season and the World Cup's most assists. Erling Haaland has 1%, Jude Bellingham 0.5%.

The Ballon d'Or, awarded by France Football, will be presented in London on 26 October.

Source: L'Équipe