Ballon d’Or voting: Jose Felix Diaz’s top three choices raise eyebrows

Jose Felix Diaz, editorial director of Spanish newspaper AS, placed Kylian Mbappe at the top of his Ballon d’Or voting list, ahead of Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.

Diaz, Spain’s representative on the Ballon d’Or judging panel, ranked Yamal second and Kane third. His selection has prompted questions over whether he favoured the Real Madrid forward over the Barcelona youngster.

The decision is notable because Mbappe did not win a major trophy during the previous season, either with his club or France. Kane, meanwhile, went on to win the award at a ceremony held in London on Monday.

Yamal enjoyed a successful campaign with both club and country. He won the World Cup with Spain and also helped Barcelona secure the Spanish league title and the Spanish Super Cup.

Despite that list of honours, Yamal was not placed first by his country’s representative and had to settle for second in Diaz’s rankings.

Diaz took over Spain’s place on the Ballon d’Or jury from Alfredo Relano. His appointment followed a succession of Spanish journalists who had represented the country in the voting over the years.