Photo: Web Summit / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario strode onto the red carpet at the historic London Palladium on a cool evening, ready to witness an unforgettable moment in football history: the 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or. The air was thick with anticipation, as football fans and stars from around the world gathered to see who would be crowned the world’s best footballer.
This year’s Ballon d’Or was more than just another award night—it was a celebration of football’s rich legacy. Having returned to the United Kingdom for the first time in decades, the ceremony paid homage to England’s Sir Stanley Matthews, the original winner back in 1956. It was a nostalgic nod to the roots of an award that has grown to become the most coveted individual honour in world football, courtesy of France Football magazine.
With the world watching, the spotlight shone brightest on three names: France’s captain and Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, and England’s own Harry Kane, now spearheading Bayern Munich’s attack. Each player brought their unique flair and compelling story to the table, making the race wide open and the debates on social media unending.
Ronaldo himself knows exactly what it feels like to be in their boots. Twice a winner of the Ballon d’Or—in 1997 and 2002—the Brazilian is revered for his explosive pace, dazzling dribbles, and clinical finishing. Yet, even with all his experience, Ronaldo admitted he couldn’t call it this year. “I don’t know who will win,” he confessed with a trademark grin. “I see a lot of talent in the three who are there. The criteria are not very clear, but it is very complicated. They are all very good and two of them are in Spain and it is a reason for honour. We must celebrate it. Having Lamine and Mbappe in Spain… I don’t know who will win.”
Mbappe, a regular fixture among the world’s elite for several years now, found himself once again among the top 30 nominees. This year’s shortlist was drawn from performances between 3 August 2025 and 19 July 2026, a period that saw Mbappe reach new heights in club and international football. It’s his rare blend of pace, power, and precision that has football fans—and legends—drawing comparisons with the greats of the past.
“He has many things of mine: speed, strength, goals, dribbling, finishing,” Ronaldo said, beaming with pride as he spoke about the French star. “He is a fairly complete player. He scores a lot of goals and has many things of mine. I am happy that my legacy lives on.”
The Ballon d’Or gala also saw Real Madrid making a triumphant return to the stage, after a two-year absence. Club president Florentino Perez and a delegation were present, reflecting the Spanish giants’ renewed prominence in European football. Ronaldo was quick to praise the team’s recent heroics: “Winning against Barcelona at their stadium is not easy. Real Madrid played very well, they defended very well.” He also gave a nod to manager Jose Mourinho, saying, “He is shaping the team to his liking.”
Meanwhile, Harry Kane, who has enjoyed a dream start to life in Germany, admitted that the Ballon d’Or nerves were real. “A little nervous, I am not going to lie. Different from playing a match—it is out of my control. It is a special occasion, trying to take it all in and trying to enjoy it. It will be an incredibly proud moment if I do achieve it,” Kane told sports broadcaster DAZN. The England captain reflected on a remarkable season, saying, “It was my best season for sure. I won three trophies with Bayern Munich. Close to reaching the final of the Champions League and semi-final of the World Cup. If I had won those two things it would have been guaranteed for sure.”
This 70th Ballon d’Or wasn’t just about the silverware; it was a moment for the football community to come together and reflect on decades of brilliance, hardship, and heart-stopping drama. From Matthews in the 1950s to Ronaldo, Messi, and now the new generation, the award has chronicled the evolution of football itself. The London Palladium, shimmering under the lights, provided the perfect stage to celebrate not just individual greatness, but the spirit of the beautiful game.
As the ceremony unfolded and fans held their breath, Ronaldo’s words hung in the air: “I don’t know who will win.” It was a rare admission from a man who once made the impossible look easy, a reminder that in football, as in life, the future is always unwritten. But for one night in London, all eyes were on the Ballon d’Or—and on the next chapter of football’s enduring story.
