Ballon d’Or 2026: Saudi journalist places Mbappe and Yamal behind Kane

Harry Kane was the first choice of Saudi journalist Khalid Al Arafa in the voting for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mane and Al-Qadsiah striker Julian Quinones were overlooked.

The Bayern Munich striker won the award after collecting the highest number of points in a poll involving 100 journalists from the 100 countries ranked highest by FIFA.

France Football held its 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London in the early hours of Tuesday, with Kane receiving the prize as the leading player in the world.

Al Arafa was among the journalists taking part in the vote for the fourth consecutive year. His choices were revealed by broadcaster Mohamed Al-Khamis on the Saudi Sports Channels programme Fi 90.

According to Al-Khamis, Al Arafa placed Kane first in his ballot. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was his second selection, while Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal completed his top three.

Neither Mane nor Quinones received a vote from the Saudi journalist, despite both players representing the Roshn League in the initial 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Mane, who plays for Al-Nassr, and Quinones, of Al-Qadsiah, finished in the final two places in the 2026 Ballon d’Or standings.

The result marked the lowest finish of Mane’s career in the award. The Senegal international had previously been runner-up in 2022.