Who should win 2026 Ballon d’Or? TSN writers give award verdicts as Lamine Yamal snubbed, rogue pick named

The 2026 Ballon d'Or award gala will, in short order, crown the best player across the previous season. As the most prestigious individual award in the global game of football, the Ballon d'Or can change a player's career completely, forever tabbing them as the planet's most decorated star across an entire season. It is expected that last year's winner Ousmane Dembele will give way to a new star this season, as the 70th edition of the award will likely see a new victor named.