According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Jesus confirmed he attempted to convince the veteran superstar to reconsider, but ultimately respected his choice. “I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision. He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football,” Jesus said.

Coming on the heels of his inclusion on the FIFPRO World 11 shortlist alongside longtime rival Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s decision allows him to focus entirely on his pursuit of 1,000 career goals with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

Riding the momentum of his latest Saudi Pro League hat-trick, Ronaldo is set to spend the remainder of the campaign locked in on that historic threshold, standing just 15 goals shy of the unprecedented milestone.

The rift between Jesus and Ronaldo

While his international career will be remembered for its historic heights, Ronaldo’s final days in camp carried friction. The forward reportedly walked out during preparations for October’s international window amid simmering tension with Jesus.

The fallout stemmed from Portugal’s recent fixture against Denmark, where Ronaldo was left on the bench despite warming up along the touchline for the entirety of the match. His subsequent decision to leave camp prompted disciplinary action from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

How Ronaldo transformed Portuguese soccer

Before Ronaldo’s emergence, Portugal had spent decades searching for a global talisman of Eusebio’s caliber, a void that had lingered since the late 1960s. Ronaldo fundamentally redefined the national team’s modern identity, creating an unmistakable dividing line between the program’s past struggles and its golden era on the world stage.

Beyond the trophies, records, and individual accolades that defined his run, Ronaldo signed off with a poignant parting thought that quickly resonated across social media: “For those few minutes, all our differences disappear; there are no clubs, colors, classes, professions, or opinions, only one passion: Portugal.”

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement after scoring 146 goals for Portugal.
• Jorge Jesus confirmed he attempted to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to reconsider his international retirement.
• Cristiano Ronaldo stands 15 goals shy of reaching 1,000 career goals with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s announcement comes just weeks after long-time rival Lionel Messi stepped away from Argentina, finishing with 126 goals in 207 caps after netting his final international goal against Benin in a Buenos Aires sendoff.

Rumors regarding Ronaldo’s international future had intensified after he walked away from Portugal’s training camp following a disagreement over tactical decisions by manager Jorge Jesus. His announcement puts any lingering doubt to rest: going forward, supporters will only see the 41-year-old taking the pitch at the club level with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

“Today, the time has come to pass the torch,” Ronaldo said in an emotional video address detailing his decision. “It was not an easy choice, because certain decisions aren’t made with the mind alone, they are made with the heart.”

Cristiano’s message to Portuguese supporters

Beyond announcing his departure, Ronaldo shared a heartfelt tribute to the Portuguese fans who rallied behind him throughout a 23-year international tenure, emphasizing the lasting mark they left on his career.

“And to the people of Portugal, wherever you are in the world, there is an image I will carry with me forever: the moment our national anthem begins,” Ronaldo said. “I look around and see my teammates, the stands, and Portuguese supporters who traveled so far just to be there. For those few minutes, all our differences disappear; there are no clubs, colors, classes, professions, or opinions, only one passion: Portugal.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international records with Portugal

Ronaldo leaves the international arena having fundamentally rewritten the sport’s record books. Over 23 years wearing the red and green, he shattered virtually every major scoring and appearance milestone available on the global stage.

• Most men’s international goals: 146 goals, holding the world record ahead of Lionel Messi (126) and Ali Daei (108).
• Most men’s international caps: 234 appearances across a historic 23-year career.
• Most men’s international hat-tricks: 10 hat-tricks for Portugal.
• Oldest Portugal goalscorer and player: Set both benchmarks at over 41 years of age.
• Youngest portuguese centurion: Youngest player in national team history to earn 100 caps (27 years, 8 months, 11 days).

Will there be a farewell match for Cristiano Ronaldo?

With earlier reports suggesting Ronaldo could suit up during November’s international break, anticipation is building over whether the Portuguese Football Federation will arrange an official farewell appearance during the upcoming UEFA Nations League window.

Portugal announced on a statement that there will be a farewell game for Cristiano: “It is our firm and immense desire to organize, plan, participate, and actively collaborate in what will always be a fitting tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s immense career, in which fans and the country can applaud and celebrate, once again, the player who has given us so much.”

Portugal‘s next fixture is scheduled for Nov. 14 against Denmark in Lisbon, a match that could serve as the ultimate curtain call for the nation’s greatest sporting icon.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international soccer with Portugal.
• Lionel Messi retired from Argentina after scoring 126 goals in 207 caps.
• Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record of 146 goals across 234 international appearances.

The attacking category showcases intense competition across generations. Alongside Messi and Ronaldo, the forward shortlist includes, among others, English Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane. Both veterans earned their spots by maintaining world-class production and decisive influence in high-stake matches.

Fans will discover the final eleven on Monday, November 9, when FIFPRO reveals the official team. The enduring inclusion of Messi and Ronaldo highlights their sustained impact in the world of soccer.

Why Messi deserves to be nominated?

Messi continues to perform at an elite level for both Inter Miami CF and Argentina. Transfermarkt records show the Argentine legend has registered 26 goals and 13 assists across 30 MLS matches in 2026. He remains an incredible playmaker who orchestrates entire matches at his will.

Beyond club competition, Messi led Argentina through another stellar international campaign. He recorded eight goals and four assists in eight matches on the biggest stage, the FIFA World Cup. His vision, passing precision, and big-game consistency justify his status among football’s elite.

Why Ronaldo deserves to be nominated?

Ronaldo maintains an astonishing goal-scoring rate at 41 years of age. According to Transfermarkt data, the Portuguese forward has scored eight goals in nine Saudi Pro League matches for Al-Nassr this season. He recently netted an emphatic hat-trick against Al-Kholood to showcase his sharp finishing instincts.

On the international front, Ronaldo remains a crucial focal point for Portugal’s frontline. He added three goals during Portugal’s World Cup run while generating consistent danger in the penalty area. His relentless physical conditioning and clinical finishing continue to earn the admiration of his fellow pros.

Full list of nominees

• Thibaut Courtois (GK, Belgium)
• Emiliano Martinez (GK, Argentina)
• David Raya (GK, Spain)
• Pau Cubarsi (DF, Spain)
• Marc Cucurella (DF, Spain)
• Virgil Van Dijk (DF, Netherlands)
• Gabriel Maghalaes (DF, Brazil)
• Achraf Hakimi (DF. Morocco)
• Nuno Mendes (DF, Portugal)
• William Saliba (DF, France)
• Dayot Upamecano (DF, France)
• Jude Bellingham (MF, England)
• Bruno Fernandes (MF, Portugal)
• Enzo Fernandez (MF, Argentina)
• Pedri (MF, Spain)
• Declan Rice (MF, England)
• Rodri (MF, Spain)
• Vitinha (MF, Portugal)
• Erling Braut Haaland (FW, Norway)
• Harry Kane (FW, England)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (FW, Georgia)
• Kylian Mbappe (FW, France)
• Lionel Messi (FW, Argentina)
• Michael Olise (FW, France)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (FW, Portugal)
• Lamine Yamal (FW, Spain)

Key takeaways

• Over 19,000 professional footballers voted to determine the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 shortlist.
• FIFPRO reveals the official team on Monday, November 9.
• Lionel Messi registered 26 goals and 13 assists across 30 MLS matches in 2026.

The Portuguese superstar was left out of the squad traveling to Uzbekistan, alongside Kingsley Coman and Mohamed Simakan, meaning Al Nassr will have to face its AFC Champions League Elite opponent without important players.

The decision does not appear to be related to an injury. Postecoglou explained during his pre-match press conference that he wanted to give the three players a break because of the number of fixtures and the amount of traveling involved.

Can Al Nassr beat Pakhtakor without Cristiano Ronaldo?

Al Nassr have enough attacking quality to beat Pakhtakor even without Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly with Joao Felix and Sadio Mane available to lead the attack. The Portuguese forward’s absence is significant, but it does not leave Ange Postecoglou’s team without experienced options in the final third.

Joao Felix and Mane traveled with the squad to Uzbekistan and are expected to take on greater offensive responsibility. Felix offers creativity and the ability to operate between the lines, while Mane brings pace, movement and experience in high-pressure continental matches.

Al Nassr also have an opportunity to take advantage of Pakhtakor’s difficult start to the AFC Champions League Elite campaign. The Uzbek side had collected just one point from its first three continental matches, while Al Nassr were looking to build on their previous 3-1 victory over Neftchi Fergana.

When will Cristiano Ronaldo play again for Al Nassr?

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return on Friday, November 6, when Al Nassr face Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League. The match is scheduled to take place after the team’s continental trip to Uzbekistan, giving the Portuguese forward several additional days to recover.

The decision to rest him was made to manage his workload rather than address a reported injury. Therefore, his absence is not expected to extend beyond the November 2 fixture, although his participation against Al Hazem will ultimately depend on Postecoglou’s team selection and his physical condition.

The timing of his expected return is particularly important because he is approaching another major career milestone. His hat trick against Al Kholood on October 29 took him to 985 official career goals, leaving him just 15 away from reaching 1,000.

What is Al Nassr’s record without Cristiano Ronaldo?

Al Nassr went 8-0-0 in eight matches without CR7 during the 2025-26 season, winning every game he missed across all competitions. The club recorded four victories in the Saudi Pro League and four in the AFC Champions League Two.

In the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr won all four fixtures in which Ronaldo was unavailable:

• Al Nassr 2-0 Al Ahli
• Al Nassr 2-0 Al Riyadh
• Al Nassr 4-1 Al Ittihad
• Al Nassr 4-0 Al Khaleej

The team also maintained that perfect record in the AFC Champions League Two, defeating FC Goa twice, Istiklol and Al Ahli. That gave the team eight wins, zero draws and zero losses in the eight matches played without its captain.

However, their historical numbers without Ronaldo have not always been as impressive. During the 2024-25 season, the Portuguese forward missed eight matches, and the team recorded three wins, four draws and one defeat.

Those results included a 9-0 victory against Al Okhdood, a 3-3 draw with Al Kholood and a 2-1 defeat against Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo was rested by Ange Postecoglou for Al Nassr’s match against Pakhtakor.
• Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return on Friday, November 6 against Al Hazem.
• Cristiano Ronaldo reached 985 career goals after scoring a hat trick against Al Kholood.

Ronaldo’s treble against Al-Kholood marks his first hat trick of the calendar year, whereas Messi has already logged two of his own: one against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup group stage, and a four-goal masterclass for Inter Miami against CF Montreal in MLS play.

In the historic chase for 1,000 career goals, both superstars continue to close in on the once-unfathomable milestone. With the Portuguese forward just 15 tallies away, quadruple digits are well within sight. Messi, meanwhile, has plenty of runway to chase the mark himself, with expectations pointing toward an Inter Miami stay through 2028 rather than a return to domestic Argentine soccer.

As their career stat lines continue to swell, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch over the final numbers both legends will post before hanging up their boots, with plenty of fixtures still left on their respective schedules.

Records shattered by Ronaldo and Messi in 2026

Ronaldo etched his name deeper into international soccer lore by becoming the first player in history to score in six separate World Cup tournaments, simultaneously cementing his place as Portugal’s all-time top World Cup marksman while extending his men’s all-time international scoring record.

Messi, meanwhile, transformed the 2026 tournament into his own personal record-shattering showcase. During Argentina’s campaign, he eclipsed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history (reaching 21 goals) while emerging as the runaway leader in combined World Cup goals and assists.

His tour de force against Algeria made him the oldest player ever to register a World Cup hat trick (38 years, 357 days). By the knockout stages, Messi had established brand-new tournament benchmarks for most matches played (33), most match victories (22), and most total minutes logged on soccer’s biggest stage.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored one hat-trick in 2026, marking his first of the calendar year.
• Lionel Messi logged two hat-tricks in 2026 against Algeria and CF Montreal.
• Lionel Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick at 38.

Messi sits close behind with 62 career hat-tricks, most recently logging one for Inter Miami in a 4-1 rout of CF Montreal on August 29. That performance helped Miami maintain pace in the Eastern Conference standings during a tight battle with Nashville SC.

The display comes on the heels of Ronaldo narrowly edging Messi in the fan-voted “Best of All Time” (BOAT) poll. As his career total ticks closer to the once-unthinkable milestone of 1,000 official goals, anticipation continues to build around whether the Portuguese legend can reach quadruple digits before hanging up his boots.

Ronaldo even weighed in on that fan accolade during the festivities surrounding the Ballon d’Or gala, which recently saw Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane take home the coveted 2026 men’s honor following a prolific campaign.

Where Ronaldo holds the statistical edge over Messi

Beyond his advantage in hat-tricks, Ronaldo maintains the upper hand over Messi across several prominent scoring metrics. Anchored by his overall edge in career goals (985 to Messi’s 936), the Portuguese forward also holds a commanding margin from the penalty spot, converting 184 spot-kicks to Messi’s 115.

Ronaldo also leads in goals scored inside the penalty area (660 to 636), headers (158 to 32), and total shots on target (2,156 to 1,994). However, Messi comfortably claims the high ground in efficiency and playmaking, dominating the assist column (427 to 261) and boasting a superior scoring rate with 0.79 goals per match compared to Ronaldo’s 0.73.

Yet beyond the endless statistical debate, the fact that both icons are still performing at an elite level—Messi at 39 and Ronaldo at 41—defies modern sports science. What the two generational titans are accomplishing in the twilight of their careers remains entirely unprecedented.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to reach 985 career goals for Al-Nassr.
• Lionel Messi has 62 hat-tricks, last recording one for Inter Miami on August 29.
• Harry Kane won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or award following a prolific campaign.

While Ronaldo has sprinted out to a 49-goal lead at the top of the all-time scoring charts, Lionel Messi remains firmly in pursuit. Messi currently sits on 936 official career goals across 1,181 appearances for Argentina, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.

Despite Ronaldo being closer to the four-digit mark, Messi is more than two years younger and has played over 150 fewer matches. As both legends navigate the twilight of their iconic careers in Riyadh and Miami respectively, whether Messi joins Ronaldo at the 1,000-goal summit will ultimately depend on how long he decides to extend his playing days.

Goal average per game puts Messi as the superior goalscorer

While Ronaldo holds the raw total volume advantage, efficiency metrics tell a distinctly different story in Messi’s favor:

Messi reaches the back of the net at a noticeably faster clip than his longtime rival, needing roughly seven fewer minutes of action for every goal scored. Furthermore, when factoring in Messi’s incredible record of 466 career assists, the Argentine averages a goal contribution every 68 minutes.

Are there any other players near 1,000 official goals?

Under FIFA, UEFA, and official modern statistical criteria, no other footballer in history is anywhere close to 1,000 official goals. While folklore and friendly matches have famously elevated the unofficial numbers of legends like Pele (who claimed over 1,280 goals) and Romario (who celebrated a 1,000th goal in 2007), their verified senior competitive counts stand well below that threshold.

Among all active footballers worldwide, the only player even within shouting distance of the 700-goal club is Robert Lewandowski, who sits just past 700 career goals. The race to 1,000 official goals is a stratosphere occupied solely by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the rest of world football trailing literally hundreds of strikes behind.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo reached 985 career goals after scoring a hat trick against Al-Kholood Club.
• Lionel Messi has 936 official career goals across 1,181 appearances.
• Robert Lewandowski has surpassed 700 career goals, ranking as the only other active player near that milestone.

First, Ronaldo capitalized on a clinical counterattack led by Joao Felix. Just as Felix seemed poised to pull the trigger, he slipped a pass to an unmarked Ronaldo in the box, who slotted home his first of the night and career goal No. 983.

Ronaldo struck again shortly after, exploiting a lapse in Al-Kholood’s marking. Anticipating Felix’s pinpoint cross, he rose to meet the delivery with a thumping header into the back of the net, pushing Al Nassr‘s tally to four while logging the 984th goal of his career.

He completed the hat trick after Sadio Mane was denied his own brace by Al-Kholood’s goalkeeper. Mane pounced on the rebound, spotted a wide-open Ronaldo waiting in the penalty area, and squared the ball to the Portuguese star, who tapped in career goal No. 985.

Cristiano nearly added two more to his tally

The Portuguese star set an aggressive tone from the opening whistle, relentlessly hunting for opportunities. His first prime scoring chance arrived after Al Nassr forced a turnover high up the pitch as Al-Kholood attempted to play out from the back, but Ronaldo was flagged for offside before he could get a legitimate finish on the board.

In a nearly identical sequence with the match knotted at 1-1, Ronaldo collected possession and uncorked a stunning long-range strike into the back of the net, only for the assistant referee’s raised flag to wipe away the wonder-strike for offside once again.

More than two years had passed since Ronaldo last bagged a Saudi Pro League hat trick—and fittingly, that previous treble came against this very same club. Now, there is expectation as Ronaldo is just 15 goals to reach 1,000 career goals.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to reach 985 career goals for Al Nassr.
• Ronaldo had two goals disallowed for offside against Al-Kholood.
• The Portuguese star is 15 goals away from reaching 1,000 career goals.

“Football belongs to the fans! Thank you to all the fans around the world, the Ballon D’Or of All Time is also yours,” Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post, sharing a throwback photo of himself hoisting his first Ballon d’Or trophy from 2008.

Debate immediately flared over Ronaldo’s victory over his Argentine rival. While purists dissected eras, legacy, and head-to-head metrics, the reality was far simpler: because the outcome was determined entirely by a fan vote, the result had less to do with objective analysis than with which superstar’s global base mobilized harder.

As the two most decorated players in Ballon d’Or history enter the twilight of their careers, the spotlight has steadily shifted toward the sport’s next generation of contenders, a transition underscored by Harry Kane capturing the 2026 Ballon d’Or on the heels of a dominant campaign.

Ballon d’Or faces heavy backlash over BOAT voting model

Unlike the traditional Ballon d’Or, which relies on an esteemed panel of international journalists, the BOAT poll required fans to pay €1 (roughly $1.10) per ballot cast, enticing voters with entry into a sweepstakes for future gala tickets.

Critics and analysts slammed the format as an unabashed cash grab. By allowing users to submit unlimited paid ballots, organizers effectively reduced a purportedly historic sporting distinction to a monetization gimmick, prioritizing organized fan-club spending power over pure athletic merit.

Skeptics also argued the setup was engineered to manufacture yet another clash between Ronaldo and Messi, who combined for 13 eligible trophies. In doing so, the format sidelined legendary one-time winners such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Kaka, drawing sharp criticism for cheapening the award’s prestige in favor of viral engagement.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural Best of All Time award over Lionel Messi.
• Harry Kane captured the 2026 Ballon d’Or trophy following a dominant campaign.
• Fans paid €1 per ballot to participate in the BOAT award fan vote.

Still, the accolade warrants considerable skepticism. Unlike prestigious honors decided by media panels, players, or coaches, the BOAT winner was determined strictly by a pay-to-play fan vote. Through a dedicated online portal charging €1 per ballot, supporters essentially voted with their wallets to pick the ultimate winner among past Ballon d’Or recipients.

Eligibility was strictly limited to multi-time Ballon d’Or winners. That criterion handed Cristiano and Messi a massive built-in advantage over the field, given their respective five-and eight-trophy hauls, as each individual award won was voted on separately. For instance, a fan could vote for Ronaldo’s 2008 triumph (the BOAT winner), Messi’s historic 2012 campaign (BOAT runner-up), or any of their other winning seasons individually.

While the fan-funded prize provided a sideshow to Harry Kane lifting the main 2026 Ballon d’Or trophy, it was met with fierce backlash. Critics quickly slammed the pay-to-vote format as a blatant cash grab while panning the restrictive criteria that locked out numerous legendary single-time winners from soccer history.

Nominees for the BOAT award

The organizers opened the ballot to global supporters, inviting them to evaluate the most dominant individual seasons produced by multi-time award winners. Beyond simply selecting a player’s career as a whole, the format asked fans to vote on specific Ballon d’Or-winning campaigns, turning the contest into a direct historical comparison between football’s greatest individual peaks.

These were the nominees:

• Lionel Messi 2023
• Lionel Messi 2021
• Lionel Messi 2019
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2017
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2016
• Lionel Messi 2015
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2014
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2013
• Lionel Messi 2012
• Lionel Messi 2011
• Lionel Messi 2010
• Lionel Messi 2009
• Cristiano Ronaldo 2008 (BOAT Winner)
• Ronaldo Nazario 2002
• Ronaldo Nazario 1997
• Marco van Basten 1992
• Marco van Basten 1989
• Marco van Basten 1988
• Michel Platini 1985
• Michel Platini 1984
• Michel Platini 1983
• Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 1981
• Karl-Heinz Rummenigge 1980
• Kevin Keegan 1979
• Kevin Keegan 1978
• Franz Beckenbauer 1976
• Johan Cruyff 1974
• Johan Cruyff 1973
• Franz Beckenbauer 1972
• Johan Cruyff 1971
• Alfredo Di Stefano 1959
• Alfredo Di Stefano 1957

Could the Super Ballon d’Or make a return?

On the heels of the controversial BOAT award, reports suggest France Football is weighing another historic honor—one that could heavily favor Messi. Rumors are circulating about the potential revival of the elusive Super Ballon d’Or to recognize the defining player of the modern era, with reports out of Argentina pointing to Messi as the overwhelming frontrunner.

Beyond his record eight Ballon d’Or trophies—more than Ronaldo or anyone else in history—Messi’s generational influence and all-around impact have cemented his legacy as a once-in-a-lifetime talent.

As France Football explores ways to formally salute the titans of this generation, the broader soccer landscape is left reckoning with the close of an unprecedented chapter, one defined by two generational rivals who pushed the sport to heights fans may never witness again.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo won the Best of All Time award with his 2008 Ballon d’Or award.
• The BOAT winner was determined by an online fan vote charging €1 per ballot.
• Harry Kane won the main 2026 Ballon d’Or trophy at the gala.

Instead, both Messi and Ronaldo had already won the award multiple times by the age of 33. Cristiano won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 (23 years old) and had already raised his total to five Ballon d’Ors by 33. That’s where Ronaldo still stands, as he is second in the all-time leaderboard. Considering Ronaldo wasn’t nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, there’s reason to believe that’s where CR7’s total will remain once he calls it a career.

As for Messi, he leads the way with his record eight Ballon d’Or wins. The Argentine won his first in 2009 at 22, and had six Ballon d’Or trophies by the age of 33. With his win in 2026, Kane has etched his name on the list of English players that have won the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, Kane is the third player to take home the award since Messi last won one in 2023.

Harry Kane’s resume to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Even though Kane voiced his gratitude to Tottenham in his speech after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, it’s plain to see that his move to Bayern Munich completely changed the trajectory of his career. Last season, Kane hoisted the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal trophies while also reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Kane’s England side also fell in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Still, his goals did all the talking. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern across all competitions, including 34 in the Bundesliga and 14 in the UEFA Champions League. During the World Cup, Kane scored six goals for the Three Lions, finishing tied for fifth among the tournament’s top scorers.

Kane beats Mbappe to 2026 Ballon d’Or

Although Kane finished behind Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup and became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, he had the last laugh at the Palladium Theatre in London. Not just that, but Kane also won the 2026 Gerd Muller trophy during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Even though Mbappe had previously reacted to the possibility of Kane winning the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo Nazario’s announcement still came as a shock to the French national team and Real Madrid star. As incredible as it sounds, Mbappe has yet to win a Ballon d’Or.

2026 Ballon d’Or final podium

Prior to the ceremony, rumors ran wild as viral posts that accidentally appeared on the award’s official website may have leaked the 2026 Ballon d’Or podium. In the end, there was fire behind the smoke. Just as the leak hinted, Kane finished on top, with Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who is still without a Ballon d’Or at 19, rounding out the top three.

• Harry Kane: 2026 Ballon d’Or winner
• Kylian Mbappe: Second place
• Lamine Yamal: Third place

Messi and Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or wins

Key takeaways

• Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or at age 33 at the 70th ceremony.
• Lionel Messi had won Ballon d’Or six times at 33.
• Cristiano Ronaldo had five Ballon d’Ors by 33 years old.