Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has revealed his top three picks for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, and all three are his PSG teammates. The Portuguese international's list notably omits Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who is widely considered a frontrunner after Spain's World Cup triumph.
Vitinha's Picks: All PSG, No Yamal
Speaking ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Aston Villa, Vitinha told Soy Futbol that PSG should dominate this year's award conversation. He selected Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, and Fabian Ruiz as his preferred winners.
“There are so many great players who could win the Ballon d'Or this year. For me, it just makes sense for a PSG player to take it,” Vitinha said, as quoted by Soy Futbol. “Kvaratskhelia after his insane Champions League season, Dembélé who's been on fire, or Fabián who's basically won it all. My vote? One of those three, hands down.”
While Vitinha acknowledged Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as deserving candidates, he conspicuously left out Yamal. The 18-year-old finished second in last year's Ballon d'Or behind PSG's Dembele and has been tipped for the top prize in 2026 after helping Barcelona win La Liga and playing a key role in Spain's World Cup victory.
World Cup Factor and Kvaratskhelia's Hurdle
Of Vitinha's choices, Kvaratskhelia faces a unique challenge. Georgia did not qualify for the World Cup, so the Georgian winger had no opportunity to enhance his Champions League performances on the international stage. However, Ballon d'Or organisers have confirmed that winning the World Cup is not a requirement for claiming the award, even though it helps.
Fabián Ruiz, another of Vitinha's picks, won the World Cup with Spain, while Dembele's club form has been cited as his primary case for the trophy. The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or will be handed out on October 26, 2026, in London, marking a departure from the ceremony's traditional home in Paris.
Kane Emerges as Betting Favourite
Legit.ng previously reported that Harry Kane has emerged as the favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or after the FIFA World Cup ended. Kane had an impressive season with Bayern Munich and also had a great outing to help the Three Lions win the bronze medal at the World Cup.
The award ceremony will consider performances in club competitions, particularly the UEFA Champions League and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as part of this year's voting criteria. With Vitinha's public endorsement of his teammates and Kane's status as a leading contender, the race for football's most prestigious individual honour remains wide open.
