The 2026 Ballon d’Or will be presented on 26 October, with former Cameroon international Patrick Mboma placing Lionel Messi at the top of his personal five-player shortlist.

Africafoota asked five prominent figures from African football to reveal their selections for this year’s award. Mboma, 55, has chosen Messi ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Mboma is one of Cameroon’s most decorated footballers. He won 55 caps and scored 33 goals for his country, helping them claim the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002. He also won an Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Games.

At club level, Mboma was part of the Paris Saint-Germain side that won the Coupe de France in 1995. His achievements also earned him the African Player of the Year award in 2000.

Messi leads the way

Mboma selected Lionel Messi first, listing the Argentina forward alongside Inter Miami. The former Cameroon striker continues to regard Messi as an essential reference point in world football.

He highlighted Messi’s influence on Inter Miami’s performances and, above all, the decisive role the forward played for Argentina at the World Cup.

Mbappe second

Kylian Mbappe occupies second place in Mboma’s ranking, despite not winning collective honours with either Real Madrid or France.

Mboma believes the forward’s individual performances still deserve recognition in the Ballon d’Or race. Mbappe is listed with Real Madrid and France.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is third. Mboma’s selection reflects the Spain international’s continued development, as well as his consistency and technical quality.

The young winger’s progress has made him one of the leading names in the former Cameroon international’s assessment of the contenders for the 2026 award.

Kane and Kvaratskhelia complete list

Harry Kane is fourth on Mboma’s shortlist. The England captain is recognised for his versatility and attacking efficiency, with Mboma also pointing to his impressive statistics for Bayern Munich.

The former Cameroon international further praised Kane’s contribution to the German club’s successes.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completes the five. Mboma placed the Georgia international fifth after a strong season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The winger’s technical ability, goalscoring effectiveness and capacity to provide assists were among the qualities singled out by Mboma. He also underlined Kvaratskhelia’s importance to Paris Saint-Germain’s successful campaign.

Mboma’s full ranking is:

1. Lionel Messi Argentina/Inter Miami 2. Kylian Mbappe France/Real Madrid 3. Lamine Yamal Spain/FC Barcelona 4. Harry Kane England/Bayern Munich 5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Georgia/Paris Saint-Germain

The identity of the overall winner will be known in a few days.