The Ballon d'Or winner is chosen by a jury of 100 specialised journalists, one from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Each voter selects their top 10 from a 30-player shortlist based on a season-long timeframe, with selections evaluated primarily on individual performance, team achievements and titles, and fair play. Points are distributed on a descending scale.
England's voting representative
Veteran football writer Henry Winter serves as England's voting representative on the international journalist panel. He casts the nation's ballot on behalf of the domestic press corporations in line with the selection processes of France Football and UEFA.
Winter has been choosing the Ballon d'Or winner since 2006. His past votes include Ousmane Dembele (2025), Rodri (2024), Lionel Messi (2023), Karim Benzema (2022), Jorginho (2021, Messi won), Virgil van Dijk (2019, Messi won), Luka Modric (2018), Cristiano Ronaldo (2017), Cristiano Ronaldo (2016), Lionel Messi (2015), Cristiano Ronaldo (2014), Franck Ribery (2013, Ronaldo won), Cristiano Ronaldo (2012, Messi won), Lionel Messi (2011), Wesley Sneijder (2010, Messi won), Lionel Messi (2009), Cristiano Ronaldo (2008), Kaka (2007) and Thierry Henry (2006, Fabio Cannavaro won).
Favourites for the 2026 trophy
The Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on Monday. Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane leads the race following a prolific scoring campaign and domestic dominance. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal round out the top frontrunners after decisive campaigns for both club and country.
