The Mirror · October 27, 2026

Ballon d'Or judge who put Lionel Messi 3 places above Lamine Yamal explains controversial list

A Ballon d'Or judge has defended their voting decision that ranked Lionel Messi significantly higher than Lamine Yamal in their personal rankings for the award. The voting came ahead of Monday's ceremony where the top three finishers were determined by the collective votes of all judges.