What's Happening?
Bleacher Report has published early predictions for the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or award, highlighting several players who could be contenders based on their current performances. Joao Neves of PSG, who finished 19th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting, is noted for his strong start to the 2025-26 season with three goals in league play. Desire Doue, another PSG star, is also mentioned despite an injury affecting his current season. Scott McTominay's success at Napoli and Ryan Gravenberch's breakout season at Liverpool are discussed as potential factors for their future Ballon d'Or candidacies. The article also covers other players like Tijjani Reijnders and Luis Diaz, who have shown promising performances in their respective leagues.
Why It's Important?
The Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, and early predictions can influence public perception and player market value. Highlighting players like Joao Neves and Ryan Gravenberch underscores the importance of consistent performance and international success, such as a strong World Cup campaign, in securing a place among the elite. For clubs like PSG and Liverpool, having players in contention for the Ballon d'Or can enhance their reputation and attract more talent. Additionally, these predictions can impact player transfers and contract negotiations as clubs seek to capitalize on their players' rising profiles.
