Kylian Mbappé has emerged as the leading candidate to win the Ballon d’Or, according to a poll published by French sports newspaper L’Équipe.
The result highlights Mbappé’s continued influence in the Ballon d’Or race and adds a new chapter to the debate over who deserves to win football’s most prestigious individual award. The ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on October 26.
The biggest surprise in the poll concerns Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona wonderkid, who has been regarded in recent months as one of the leading contenders for the trophy, has failed to make the top three.
According to the rankings published by the French newspaper, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Harry Kane follow Mbappé.
The L’Équipe poll does not determine the final Ballon d’Or result, but it offers an indication of how the race is shaping up at this stage and which players are attracting the most support among voters.
It remains to be seen which football superstar will ultimately triumph and claim the sport’s most prestigious individual honour.