The 2026 Ballon d'Or winner appears to have been revealed early, with the ceremony's official website publishing articles announcing all three winners before the event had begun.
Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal were all in the running for the men's award, and it has now been 'revealed' that they will make up the top three when the final standings are announced later on Monday evening at the London Palladium.
Website error reveals winners
Three separate articles on the ceremony's official website announced all three 2026 Ballon d'Or winners before the 70th annual awards evening had even started. The same happened regarding the women's rankings, with two separate articles published for Alexia Putellas and Ewa Pajor.
All articles have since been removed, though the top 10 for both awards have been announced.
Kane backed to end 25-year wait
Eagle-eyed fans spotted Kane's article read: "a record-breaking welter of league and cup goals in 2025/26 has propelled Harry Kane to Ballon d'Or success" under the headline "Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or".
Kane is the favourite to be named Ballon d'Or winner tonight, but the Bayern Munich striker faces stiff competition from Kylian Mbappe. Odds across sportsbooks are shortening on Kane, who is now odds-on favourite to become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d'Or.
The England captain has been backed by international team-mate Declan Rice, who has finished 15th, to claim the award.
Rice backs Kane for the award
"For me, he's the clear winner," Rice said after Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week. "His numbers speak for themselves. The year he's had has been remarkable.
"He's obviously up against some other world-class players but when you play with him, you realise how good he is - and when you play against him, you see how much of a pain it is. For a striker to play that pass for their first goal then take the penalty how he did... he's ridiculous, he's such a good player."
