Kane prematurely announced as Ballon d’Or winner – but he wasn’t only one
Developing story first seen 5 hours ago
The Ballon d’Or website briefly published an article declaring Harry Kane the 2026 winner, more than four hours before the result was due to be announced. The premature publication caused confusion, but the profiles were prepared for nominees and did not reveal the winner.
The organisers said articles had been inadvertently published and should not be taken as an indication of results or rankings. Similar profiles appeared for other contenders, including Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Alexia Putellas and Ewa Pajor, before some were removed. Kane could become the first Englishman to win the men’s award since 2001.
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In short
- Kane was briefly described online as the 2026 winner.
- The profiles were prepared for all nominees.
- The result was still due to be announced that evening.
How this story developed
- 32 seconds ago The Ballon d’Or website briefly published an article declaring Harry Kane the 2026 winner, more than four hours before the result was due to be announced. The premature publication caused confusion, but the profiles were prepared for nominees and did not reveal the winner.
Where outlets differ
Left-leaning outlets 1
Only here: harry, claims, england, wait
Centre outlets 1
Only here: prematurely, announced, wasn
Every side used: kane, ballon, winner
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Coverage · 2 sources
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