Ballon d'Or 2026: 'He makes difference' - Steve McManaman chooses player to win award

Former Liverpool star, Steve McManaman, has chosen Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

According to McManaman, Mbappe can make the difference in a match, adding that he would vote for him for the Ballon d’Or.

When asked to choose who should win the Ballon d’Or this year, the former England international told 365Scores (via SPORT), “I would choose Kylian Mbappe.

“He is a player who can make the difference and score goals in the biggest matches, and he has enough experience to help him handle the pressure.

“Lamine Yamal is a very talented player and has performed at a high level despite his young age, but if I have to choose between the two right now, I would vote for Mbappe,” he said.

Mbappe and Yamal are among the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or, alongside Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.