Former Leeds United winger Mike Grella has revealed his pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, naming his winner and top five contenders for the prestigious award.

Grella, who now works as a football pundit, shared his selections during a recent appearance, offering his take on which players deserve recognition for their performances over the past year.

The former winger’s list has sparked debate among football fans, with several top stars from across Europe’s biggest leagues featuring in his rankings. His choice for the winner reflects the standout performers of the season and the players who have made the biggest impact on the global stage.

The Ballon d’Or remains the most coveted individual honour in football, awarded annually to the player deemed to have performed best over the course of the year. The 2026 edition is expected to be highly competitive, with several players making strong cases for the award.