Ballon d’Or 2026: Ex-Man Utd midfielder Anderson names player who won’t make final top three

According to a report by Daily Post on Friday October 9, 2026, former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has explained why Barcelona winger Raphinha would not finish in the final top three of the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite believing the Brazilian deserved a place on the 30-man shortlist.

Raphinha was reportedly left out of the nominees for this year’s prestigious individual award, with the competition expected to be fierce among the leading players in world football.

According to Daily Post Nigeria, Anderson believes the Barcelona star should have been included among the 30 shortlisted players but would not have secured a place in the final three.

The former Manchester United midfielder pointed to the importance of international performances, comparing Raphinha’s contributions for Brazil with those of Lamine Yamal for Spain, Kylian Mbappé for France and Harry Kane for England.

Anderson suggested that the players’ performances for their respective national teams could make a difference in the Ballon d’Or race.

“I think he [Raphinha] has to be [in Ballon d’Or top 30]. But I don’t think he would be in the final three,” Anderson said, as quoted by GOAL.

“If he is doing well in the national team for Brazil, I think he is there. There is a difference between him and the other players, because Yamal does amazing in the national team for Spain.

“Mbappe does amazing for France, and Kane does amazing as well for England. That is the only difference for Raphinha and these players.”

Raphinha’s reported omission from the shortlist has raised questions about his standing among the leading players in world football.

Anderson’s comments suggest that, although he considers the Brazilian worthy of recognition, he believes the competition for the final three places would have been too strong.

Yamal, Mbappé and Kane were highlighted in his assessment because of their performances for their countries. However, the Ballon d’Or debate also takes into account individual displays at club level, collective achievements and a player’s overall influence throughout the season.

The final rankings will ultimately depend on the voting process, with individual opinions such as Anderson’s reflecting the debate surrounding the award.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is expected to take place in London, according to the report, with the winner due to be announced in less than two weeks.

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