According to a report by Daily Post Nigeria, on Friday October 23, 2026, former Manchester United teammates Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs have revealed which players they expect to finish in the top three at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The award presentation is scheduled to take place in London next Monday.

This year’s leading contenders include England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Spanish star Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

Giggs believes Yamal will claim the prize. He placed Mbappé in second position and selected Bellingham to complete his predicted podium. His choices suggest he expects the young Barcelona forward to finish ahead of several established stars.

Ferdinand offered a different forecast. He picked Kane as the likely winner, with Mbappé in second place and Olise finishing third. Unlike Giggs, Ferdinand did not include either Yamal or Bellingham in his top three.

The two former United players agree that Mbappé will be among the leading finishers, but they differ on who will take the top spot and which other players will join him on the podium.

Ballon d’Or voting has already concluded, and the votes have been counted. However, the final results remain confidential until the ceremony, when the official rankings and winner will be announced.