2026 Ballon d'Or: John Utaka Names Best Player, Goalkeeper to Win Awards
Courtois said Mbappé has been the best player this year and should be judged on individual excellence, not trophies won.
- The Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, at London's Palladium Theatre, with Kylian Mbappe and 29 other players nominated for the prestigious award.
- Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists Mbappe should win, arguing the award reflects individual excellence rather than trophy count. "Or should be for who has been the best player in the world this year," Courtois said.
- Former Super Eagles player John Utaka backed Mbappe for the Ballon d'Or while championing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov for the Yashin Trophy, the annual award for the world's best keeper.
- France international Mbappe faces stiff competition from Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane for the trophy, having won the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.
- Analysts are evaluating goalkeepers for the Yashin Trophy shortlist, which comprises 10 candidates including Athletic Club's Unai Simon and Arsenal's David Raya competing for the annual accolade presented by France Football.
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HE THINKS that the selection should be based on who the best football player is.
2026 Ballon d'Or: He's the best - Courtois names player to win award
Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has picked his team mate, Kylian Mbappe to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. In an interview with Onda Cero’s Radioestadio Noche, Courtois insisted that Mbappe has been the best player in the world in the year under review. The Belgian also argued that the winner should be judged on individual […] 2026 Ballon d’Or: He’s the best – Courtois names player to win award
Super Eagles news: John Utaka singles out Russia star ahead of Nigeria clash - Soccernet NG
Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has tipped Russia and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov as a contender for the 2026 Yashin Trophy, just three days before Nigeria face Russia, Soccernet.ng reports. Utaka, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and made his name playing for European clubs like RC Lens, Portsmouth, Montpellier […]
Ukrainec thinks the award will go to Kiliana Mbappe.
While Kylian Mbappé believes he deserves the Ballon d'Or 2026, Jean-Pierre Papin is not so categorical.
The goalkeeper of the Madrid Reale, Andrei Lunin, believes that the Golden Ball should receive his teammate, Forward Kilian Mbappe, this year. "It's obvious to me. Mbappe is the best. He's a real professional," quotes Lunina El Chiringuito TV. Let's recall, the Golden Ball ceremony will take place on October 26 in London.
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