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According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini did not participate in the voting process for the 2026 Kopa Trophy.
The revelation has attracted attention among football supporters following the publication of voting details for the prestigious individual award, which recognises the best young footballer in the world.
The Kopa Trophy is presented annually as part of the Ballon d'Or ceremony and celebrates outstanding performances by emerging football talents. The award attracts considerable attention because it provides recognition to some of the most promising young players in the sport.
While several prominent football figures participated in the voting process, Ronaldo, Zidane and Platini were not among those who submitted their selections for this year's award.
Their absence is particularly interesting given their remarkable achievements and influence on football. Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most successful goalscorers in the history of the game.
Zidane, meanwhile, enjoyed an extraordinary playing career, winning the Ballon d'Or in 1998 and becoming one of football's most celebrated midfielders. Platini also enjoyed considerable success, winning three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards between 1983 and 1985.
The three football legends have all made significant contributions to the sport, making their absence from the Kopa Trophy voting a talking point among supporters.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi's voting selections for the 2026 Kopa Trophy have also attracted attention. The Argentine placed Lamine Yamal first, Pau Cubarsí second and Ibrahim Maza third.
The voting discussions have added another interesting dimension to the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony, as supporters continue examining the selections and participation of some of football's biggest personalities.
However, not participating in the voting does not necessarily indicate opposition to any of the nominated young players. It simply means that the three legends did not submit votes for the award.