What is the story about?
The Ballon d'Or organisers scored an epic fail after multiple winners of the men's awards were published on their website hours before the ceremony kicked off on Monday in London, England.
In a historic departure from tradition, the Ballon d'Or organisers took its award ceremony beyond Paris, France, with The London Palladium in London, England, being chosen as the host venue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of football's most prestigious individual award.
The organiser clarified that the nominee profiles were accidentally published online and stressed that they were standard articles prepared for all candidates and not an indication of the final Ballon d'Or results or rankings.
Organiser France Football had prepared multiple pre-written announcements to ensure they were ready once the winner was officially revealed. But they were accidentally posted well ahead of the gala.
“Some profiles of nominees prepared by BallonDor.com were inadvertently published online.
“These articles had been prepared for all nominees and should in no way be considered as an indication of the final results or rankings,” the organiser said, according to the BBC.
Notably, one of the announcements partly read, “Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or,” and other pieces had Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal also win awards.
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men's Ballon d'Or 2026, while Spain and FC Barcelona star Alexis Putellas won the women's top individual honours. Kane also bagged the men's Striker of the Year accolade, while Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the men's Young Talent of the Year.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente won the Men's Coach of the Year award for leading the Spanish men's national football team towards a World Cup title win in 2026. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain won the men's Club of the year award.
In a historic departure from tradition, the Ballon d'Or organisers took its award ceremony beyond Paris, France, with The London Palladium in London, England, being chosen as the host venue to celebrate the 70th anniversary of football's most prestigious individual award.
Organisers scored an own goal
The organiser clarified that the nominee profiles were accidentally published online and stressed that they were standard articles prepared for all candidates and not an indication of the final Ballon d'Or results or rankings.
Organiser France Football had prepared multiple pre-written announcements to ensure they were ready once the winner was officially revealed. But they were accidentally posted well ahead of the gala.
“Some profiles of nominees prepared by BallonDor.com were inadvertently published online.
“These articles had been prepared for all nominees and should in no way be considered as an indication of the final results or rankings,” the organiser said, according to the BBC.
Notably, one of the announcements partly read, “Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or,” and other pieces had Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal also win awards.
Who won the top prizes in 2026
England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the men's Ballon d'Or 2026, while Spain and FC Barcelona star Alexis Putellas won the women's top individual honours. Kane also bagged the men's Striker of the Year accolade, while Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the men's Young Talent of the Year.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente won the Men's Coach of the Year award for leading the Spanish men's national football team towards a World Cup title win in 2026. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain won the men's Club of the year award.
