Former Germany international Thomas Müller has entered the Ballon d’Or debate with a surprising endorsement, bypassing clear favorites Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal to name Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé as his choices for the world player of the year award. The 37-year-old laid out his reasoning in a monthly email newsletter.
Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé Earn Praise From Thomas Müller
Müller, who now plays in Major League Soccer for the Vancouver Whitecaps, argued that Olise and Mbappé provide the exact blend of efficiency and spectacle required for the honor. He wrote in his newsletter that the two players combine spectacle with goal threat while making their play look effortless. The veteran forward stated that such qualities represent the material of a world player of the year because they require a touch of magic.
This assessment contrasts sharply with the general consensus surrounding the upcoming 26 October ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre. France Football magazine organizes the vote, which is decided by selected international journalists. While Müller championed his former Bayern Munich teammate Olise and Mbappé, football observers view Kane and Yamal as the frontrunners for the men’s prize.
Kane enters the conversation following a campaign with Bayern Munich. The English striker scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 assessment period and secured a domestic double alongside Olise. Meanwhile, Yamal claimed the Spanish Primera Division title with Barcelona and lifted the World Cup trophy with Spain.
France Football Reveals Ballon d'Or Shortlists
France Football revealed the full 30-man and 30-women shortlists for this year’s accolades. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice earned nominations for the men’s award, while Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood received nods for the women’s prize. Men’s winner last year Ousmane Dembélé made the shortlist again alongside Mbappé, who surpassed Lionel Messi’s record to score 22 all-time World Cup goals during the summer tournament.
The 70th-anniversary ceremony marks a relocation from its traditional home in Paris to London, honoring the first award won by England great Stanley Matthews.
Contrasting Statistics for the Top Contenders
The statistics show a distinct divide between the players favored by pundits and the duo backed by Müller. Kane established a club-record 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich and added six goals for England at the World Cup. Yamal secured club and international glory by winning La Liga and the World Cup, placing him as the second favorite behind Kane, with their Barcelona and Spain teammate Rodri following closely.
Conversely, Olise recorded significantly fewer goals than Kane during their shared domestic double-winning season at Bayern Munich. Mbappé failed to capture a major trophy with Real Madrid during the previous campaign. Both Frenchmen exited the World Cup at the semi-final stage after losing to eventual champions Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Where will the Ballon d’Or ceremony take place this year?
The ceremony will take place at the London Palladium Theatre on 26 October. Organizers moved the event from Paris to London to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the first award won by England legend Stanley Matthews.
Who holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or trophies. The Argentine forward earned a spot on this year’s 30-man shortlist after guiding his nation to the World Cup final and winning Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
How many players are nominated for the main awards?
France Football released shortlists featuring 30 men and 30 women. The nominees include established stars alongside breakout performers from domestic and international competitions.
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