With the ceremony approaching, the battle for the most prestigious individual prize in soccer is already taking shape.

The Barcelona star has already made his case on the pitch, yet his latest moves away from it could prove just as important as the numbers beside his name.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid era reportedly holds the key to Kylian Mbappe's Ballon d'Or hopes, with the French forward emerging as one of the leading contenders for this year's prestigious award. Mbappe faces serious competition from Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and several other stars, but there could be an influential force outside the pitch that helps shape the final conversation.

Diego Simeone brushed aside Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé's own Ballon d'Or claims to back Lionel Messi, pointing to his World Cup run with Argentina at 39 years old as the deciding factor.

The recent statements between Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele over the Ballon d'Or dispute have reportedly ignited a feud between the France stars.

Lamine Yamal has narrowed the discussion for the 2026 Ballon d'Or down to him and Kylian Mbappe, while proclaiming himself as the winner: "I'd deserve it because of what I've won."

Kylian Mbappe addressed the viral "dictator" memes comparing him to Mobutu, saying the joke sometimes reveals a lack of historical awareness.

Petr Cech believes Lionel Messi still has a real shot at winning a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or this year.

With the Champions League as the main objective for Bayern Munich, Harry Kane is eyeing the Ballon d'Or following what he catalogued as his "by far" best personal season.

While the Portugal captain remains one of the most decorated players in the history of the award, a remarkable pattern involving his international teammates has emerged over the past few years.

While being in the MLS, Lionel Messi has managed to be included in the 30-nominee list for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, prompting questions whether he's the only player in the league to ever be nominated.

When asked to name his top three candidates for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Ousmane Dembele left out Lamine Yamal. Now, the Barcelona star has responded with a clear message that includes Kylian Mbappe.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on a 2026 Ballon d'Or nomination for the second straight year, with the Portuguese forward's last win of the award coming back in 2017.

Lionel Messi has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, his 17th career nomination, while Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with 18, misses out on a nomination for the second consecutive year.

Kylian Mbappe enjoyed a strong summer campaign with France at the World Cup, leading the Real Madrid forward to believe he is a frontrunner to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or.