Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in Contention to Win the Ballon d'Or. Here's What to Know

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place Monday at London Palladium, beginning at 2000 GMT, marking the first time the annual event is held outside France since 2015 and the first time in London. The men’s award features a 30-player shortlist dominated by Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi. The group includes Yamal, who was named best young player for the last two years after helping Spain win the World Cup and Barcelona claim the Spanish title. Mbappé’s strong individual showing at the World Cup—where he became the top scorer in history—contrasts with a seventh-place ranking last year and the absence of trophies with Real Madrid or France. Kane’s record-breaking scoring with Bayern Munich and England’s third-place finish bolster his case. Messi, now 39, remains in contention after inspiring Inter Miami to its first MLS Cup and pushing Argentina within one win of consecutive World Cups. In the women’s race, Aitana Bonmatí is off the shortlist after breaking her leg in December, while Alexia Putellas is favored for a third trophy.