Football · 2026-10-23
The Athletic Polls 100 Insiders on 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or Winner
By Ghostwriter KIERO SWISS · based on reporting by The New York Times
The New York Times reveals that The Athletic canvassed 100 individuals embedded in top-level football — players, coaches, executives and journalists — asking each to name their choice for the 2026 men's Ballon d'Or. The aggregated votes produce a ranked shortlist that reflects current insider sentiment rather than fan speculation.
Several names dominate the upper reaches, while a handful of selections raise eyebrows, suggesting tactical voting or personal allegiances at play. The piece breaks down the vote distribution by role, showing whether coaches and players align or diverge.
For readers who track the award's politics as closely as the performances, this poll is the clearest pre-ceremony barometer available; we consider it essential context for the upcoming announcement.
Source: Who should win the men’s Ballon d’Or? The Athletic asked 100 people from elite football to vote — The New York Times
Our take: A rare quantified snapshot of elite football opinion reveals consensus and surprises before the ceremony.