Former Super Eagles midfielder Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has named Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé as his favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

Despite voting having ended 10 days ago, there is no clear favourite to win the coveted prize this year.

With the award ceremony scheduled to take place later this month, Okocha picked France captain Mbappé as his favourite, judging by his goalscoring exploits in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.

“The suspense is more exciting than ever,” Okocha said.

“There are a good half dozen contenders: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and the PSG players.

“I think Mbappé would deserve it for having been the top scorer in the World Cup, the Champions League and the Spanish Championship.”

The awards gala will take place on October 26 at the London Palladium, marking the first time the ceremony will be held outside Paris.

WDN