McManaman backs Mbappe for Ballon d'Or ahead of Monday announcement
Former Liverpool and England winger Steve McManaman has tipped Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or when the winner is announced Monday. Speaking to 365Scores, McManaman said Mbappe's ability to decide big matches and handle pressure gives him the edge over Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
"He is a player who can make the difference and score goals in the biggest matches, and he has enough experience to help him handle the pressure," McManaman explained. While acknowledging Yamal's exceptional talent at a young age, the former Real Madrid player said he would cast his vote for Mbappe right now.
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane is also among the top contenders for football's most prestigious individual award. The ceremony takes place Monday in Paris, where the football world will see if Mbappe adds the Ballon d'Or to his World Cup and European Championship medals.
For Nigerian fans, this year's race highlights the continued dominance of European-based stars—no African players feature in the top contention. The last African winner was George Weah in 1995.
Will experience trump youth prodigy when the envelope opens Monday, or does Yamal's historic season with Barcelona and Spain shift the vote?