Ballon d’Or 2026: Patrick Mboma puts Lionel Messi top of his shortlist

Lionel Messi leads Patrick Mboma’s five-man selection for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Kylian Mbappe second and Lamine Yamal third. The award will be presented on 26 October.

Africafoota asked five prominent figures from African football to reveal their personal rankings, with former Cameroon international Mboma providing his choices for this year’s prize.

The 55-year-old remains one of the most celebrated players in Cameroon’s history. He won 55 caps and scored 33 goals for his country, helping them claim the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. He also won an Olympic gold medal in 2000.

At club level, Mboma won the Coupe de France with Paris Saint-Germain in 1995. His performances earned him the African Player of the Year award in 2000.

Messi leads Mboma’s top five

Mboma selected Lionel Messi as his leading candidate. The former Cameroon striker regards the Argentina forward as an enduring reference point in world football, highlighting his impact on Inter Miami’s performances.

Mboma also emphasised Messi’s decisive contribution to Argentina’s World Cup campaign, placing him ahead of the other four players in his selection.

Kylian Mbappe occupies second place. Although the France captain has not won a collective trophy with either Real Madrid or the France national team, Mboma believes his individual displays warrant recognition in the Ballon d’Or race.

Lamine Yamal is third in the former Cameroon international’s list. Mboma points to the Spain winger’s continued development, consistency and technical ability as the main reasons for his inclusion.

Harry Kane is ranked fourth. Mboma particularly values the England striker’s versatility and attacking efficiency, while also praising his impressive statistics for Bayern Munich and his contribution to the German club’s successes.

Kvaratskhelia completes the list

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completes Mboma’s top five in fifth place. The former Indomitable Lion highlights the Georgia winger’s importance during Paris Saint-Germain’s successful season.

Kvaratskhelia’s technical qualities, goalscoring efficiency and ability to provide assists were all noted by Mboma as key factors behind his selection.

Mboma’s ranking is one of five being collected from African football figures ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Messi is followed by Mbappe, Yamal, Kane and Kvaratskhelia in his personal order, with the identity of the overall winner to be confirmed in the coming days.