Lionel Messi is set to have a special role at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London. The Argentine icon is expected to present the prestigious trophy to the winner on stage at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26.
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus reported the news, stating Messi will "personally hand the prestigious award" to the recipient. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is himself among the 30 nominees, having scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists for his club last season. He also led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, scoring eight times in the tournament.
Harry Kane is considered a leading contender after a prolific season. The Bayern Munich striker scored 50 goals across the Bundesliga and Champions League and helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals. His main rival is expected to be Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who won La Liga and the World Cup with Spain.
Yamal recently stated his case for the award. "I think the Ballon d'Or should go to the best player in the world, full stop," he told Movistar. "For me, Mbappe and I are the best in the world, and I think I deserve it this year because of what I have won."
The winner is chosen by an international jury of journalists, with one representative from each of the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings. Each juror selects their top 10 players from the 30-man shortlist announced last month. This year's ceremony marks the first time the event has been held in London. Burnley's next fixture is at home to Charlton on October 13.
Background and full detail: TNT Sports
