FIFA World Cup 2026 award favorites include Messi and Mbappe

Paris, France – The upcoming football awards ceremony, scheduled for early December, is set to recognize the season’s top performers, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé highlighted as leading candidates for at least one individual honor each. Both players have delivered standout campaigns: Messi concluded the Ligue 1 season with a record‑tying goal tally for Inter Miami and guided Argentina to a Copa America title, while Mbappé topped the scoring charts for Paris Saint‑Germain and played a pivotal role in France’s run to the UEFA Nations League final.

Organizers of the event have confirmed a shortlist that includes the Ballon d’Or, The Best FIFA Men’s Player, and the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, among others. In addition to Messi and Mbappé, the list features other high‑profile athletes such as Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jude Bellingham, each backed by strong statistical seasons. The awards will be presented in a televised gala, and analysts anticipate that the final vote will reflect the players’ contributions across club and international competitions.