Controversial error before Ballon d'Or ceremony

The official website of the Ballon d'Or has sparked widespread controversy by publishing three articles announcing the victories of Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé ahead of the ceremony, according to Spanish newspaper 'Sport'.

Articles appeared on the site before the ceremony began at the London Palladium, and included headlines announcing the crowning of each player, along with justifications for their victory, raising questions about the true winner.

A piece featuring the FC Barcelona star is titled "Lamine Yamal wins the 2026 Ballon d'Or and achieves an unprecedented record", noting that he will become the youngest player to win the award at the age of 19, a feat that Lionel Messi did not achieve.

Kylian Mbappé, the star of Real Madrid, is described as the 'embodiment of consistency at the highest level', considering that his brilliance in the FIFA World Cup and his goals with the royal team grant him the first Ballon d'Or of his career. Meanwhile, an article celebrates Harry Kane's season in which he scored 61 goals with Bayern Munich.

Sport newspaper suggested that what happened was a mistake in managing the website's content, as articles are usually prepared in advance for every possible scenario to be published upon the announcement of the result. Meanwhile, the organizing body confirmed during its live coverage that no leaks had been substantiated and that the identities of the winners remain confidential.