Petr Cech Backs Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or Award

Former Chelsea and Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has expressed his support for Lionel Messi as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. This announcement comes as bookmakers and pundits favor younger stars like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé.

France Football confirmed the nominees for the men's category on September 8, with the award ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London. Harry Kane, the England striker, scored 73 goals for club and country during the review period, a tally only surpassed by Messi's 82-goal season in 2011/12.

Kylian Mbappé also had a strong showing, finishing as the top scorer in La Liga and the FIFA World Cup. Lamine Yamal contributed 24 goals and 18 assists for Barcelona, helping the club secure a domestic treble.

Despite the competition, Cech believes Messi, who recorded 45 goals and 30 assists in 49 matches while leading Inter Miami to the MLS title, deserves the accolade. If successful, this would mark Messi's record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or.