Egypt’s Ballon d’Or vote puts Kvaratskhelia ahead of Yamal and Kane

The first reported insight into the 2026 Ballon d’Or voting has emerged, with Egypt’s representative on the international judging panel, journalist Amr Naguib Fahmy, placing Kylian Mbappe at the top of his 10-player list.

Fahmy’s selections have challenged expectations, notably ranking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia second and Barcelona’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal third. England captain Harry Kane was placed fourth.

The Egyptian vote, reported by 365scores, reflects Fahmy’s view of Mbappe’s outstanding season with Real Madrid. The France forward leads the list ahead of Kvaratskhelia, who was given a higher position than Yamal despite the Barcelona player’s growing prominence.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha was fifth, followed by England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice in sixth. Jude Bellingham was seventh, with Spain midfielder Rodri eighth.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi was the most unexpected inclusion in the lower half of the ranking, taking ninth place. Fahmy’s list was completed by Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz in 10th.

The early vote is likely to fuel debate over the criteria being applied to this year’s Ballon d’Or. It also suggests a contest that could extend beyond the more traditional contenders, with Mbappe, Kvaratskhelia and Yamal emerging as the leading names in Fahmy’s selection.