The suspense in London as to who would be crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or added a somewhat theatrical edge to proceedings on Monday night.

Not that it was a problem, but this is one ceremony when the winner has generally been known well before the announcement.

Why?

Perhaps, because in seasons past, there’s been little doubt as to who the winner would be, whereas this year in particular, there was a case to be made for a few players. It was arguably the most open race in years.

There was also an element of farce as Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane were all announced as winners of the prize on the official Ballon d’Or website in a blunder of rather epic proportions.

The problem with the Ballon d’Or, more generally, of course, is that there are no definitive metrics which are used to help crown the winner.

UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA via Getty Images

For example, if points were given for goals scored or tackles made etc., there would be no doubt as to who the most deserving recipient would be.

Instead, tactical voting still plays a part, which can skew the overall result.

How else can you explain why Kylian Mbappe, a player who won precisely nothing with club and country over the past 12 months save for a couple of top scorer awards, finished ahead of Lamine Yamal, a player who won the Spanish league title with Barcelona, and who also helped land the World Cup with Spain? Kane may have been the best goalscorer in 2026 but does that automatically mean he’s the best player?

Whilst it’s accepted that this is an individual award, and Harry Kane has certainly scored enough goals as well as being a vital part of Bayern’s success to put him in the conversation, like it or not, the Ballon d’Or has always looked towards those players who have won the biggest accolades in the game and scored the most goals.

Winning the Champions League, World Cup or any other major honour historically put a player firmly on the podium for the prestigious golden ball, and more often than not, was a guarantee of winning.

Kane’s goals have elevated him to the promised land, though when it mattered with England, he and his colleagues fell short.

UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA via Getty Images

Mbappe continues to score at a rate of knots, but neither came close to matching Lamine’s honours in the past 12 months. And that’s before we even consider just how important he’s been for Barca.

At 19, he’s already become the talisman for his club side, and he’s a huge part of the success that La Roja have enjoyed of late.

To lose out to Kane was therefore disappointing, but there are one or two mitigating circumstances whereby, even if you don’t agree with the decision, you can understand how it was arrived at. The France Football editor-in-chief even admitted that Rodri took votes away from Yamal after Spain’s World Cup success.

But to then be placed third behind someone who had a far from vintage 12 months is a bit of a head scratcher in truth.

Having his evening effectively spoiled further by a crass comment or two from former Barca man Thierry Henry wasn’t the right way for the best young player in the world to be treated either.