Harry Kane lifts the Ballon d'Or, receiving the trophy from Brazil great Ronaldo as presenters Kate Scott and Thierry Henry look on. (AP Photo)

Hours before Harry Kane was revealed as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or , the website for the award ended up putting up a tribute for his victory. Moreover, they also got articles up celebrating Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal winning the Ballon d’Or this year as well. That and a few other incidents have given the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony some unsavoury buzz on social media.

The premature announcements

Around the time that the ceremony was scheduled to start, its official website ended displaying three articles for each of the top three contenders, each declaring them as winners.…