Thierry Henry wants Kylian Mbappé. Zlatan Ibrahimović wants Lamine Yamal.
Two of the game’s most recognisable voices have gone public with opposite picks for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, and the split lands less than four weeks before the ceremony. The 70th edition of the France Football prize takes place at the London Palladium on Monday 26 October, the first time London has hosted the gala.
Ibrahimović delivered his verdict in New York, speaking to ESPN FC alongside the EA Sports FC 27 launch. Handed a quick-fire round, the Swede needed one word for the Ballon d’Or question.
“Yamal.”
Pushed to say more, he turned to a line he has used about the Barcelona teenager for months.
“He is the best player in the world. He’s a special player. Every time he gets the ball, he’s going to create something, no matter if he has two or three defenders in front of him.”
Yamal, who finished second to Ousmane Dembélé in the 2025 vote, has since moved to the top of William Hill’s market at 8/15 after trading at 6/5 earlier in the race.
Henry’s case rests on individual numbers
Henry had planted his flag weeks earlier on CBS Sports Golazo. The France legend made his case for Mbappé knowing the Real Madrid forward’s season had not produced the collective trophies that usually settle these races.
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“People are going to tell me that he didn’t win anything… I think some people should do their research and they’ll discover that some Ballon d’Or winners didn’t win anything the year before they were crowned.”
He then turned to the individual numbers.
“When you look at what he achieved individually… Top scorer in the Champions League, top scorer in La Liga, top scorer at the World Cup… It’s just crazy.”
Henry placed Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise just behind.
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“Olise has the same kind of numbers in terms of assists. I’m going with Kylian, with Michael Olise not far behind.”
The vote is already in
The France Football jury of 100 journalists cast their ballots before midnight on 28 September, so neither Ibrahimović nor Henry can nudge the result.
The 30-man shortlist is heavy with PSG and Barcelona names, with Dembélé defending his crown and Yamal looking to go one better. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane sits in the mix after scoring 73 goals for club and country and winning the Bundesliga, while Mbappé’s Real Madrid season leaned on individual output more than team silverware.
The winner is announced on 26 October at the London Palladium.
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