LONDRA (INGHILTERRA) (ITALPRESS) – Lautaro Martinez is the only representative of Serie A among the 30 candidates for the Golden Ball 2026. The Inter striker will then be the player called to represent Italian football in the race to the prestigious award, which will be awarded on Monday 26 October in London. Among the names on the list is Lionel Messi. The Argentine, winner of the prize in 2023 and absolute primatist with eight Golden Balls won, returns among the candidates after remaining out of the last two editions. A presence that adds further prestige to a list that collects some of the main stars of international football. The Lion is the Paris Saint-Germain, which brings several players to the 30 finalists. In addition to the winner of the last edition, Ousmane Dembelé, include Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Willian Pacho and Marquinhos. There is also a large number of representatives from Spain, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Ferran Torres, Fabian Ruiz, Marc Cucurella and Pau Cubarsí. There are also some of the major players in European football, such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
The ceremony will be held for the first time in London, at the London Palladium Theatre. A choice of strong symbolic value, also because the 2026 edition will coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Golden Ball, born in 1956 on the initiative of France Football. The British capital also pays tribute to Stanley Matthews, the first player to win the prize. During the evening will be awarded several awards, from the Men’s and Women’s Gold Ball to the awards dedicated to young talents and goalkeepers, passing for those reserved for coaches, clubs and attackers. The Sócrates Prize, dedicated to solidarity initiatives and commitment to social causes, is also scheduled. Since 2024, the award has been jointly entrusted to France Football and Uefa. In the female, instead, there will be Aitana Bonmatí. The Spanish outclass, winner of the last three editions, was conditioned by an injury and returned to the field only in May. His absence will interrupt a strip of three consecutive successes. The wait has already begun. On October 26, in London, the new winner of the Golden Ball will be revealed.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
