# Ballon d'Or Race Gets Wilder | MLS News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mls-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7438489/ballon-d-or-race-gets-wilder-mls-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mls-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7438489/ballon-d-or-race-gets-wilder-mls-news.md
Podcast: [MLS News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/mls-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7438489)
Published: 2026-09-16T19:00:27+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/449fd37558bf573a
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/a48c0052-4575-42a8-b0a7-268b9d851d69.mp3
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Duration seconds: 87

## Resource

The Ballon dOr race is hotter than ever, with no clear favorite as teams prioritize squad success over solo stars. Messi’s World Cup triumph came with controversy, while young phenoms like Lamine Yamal boldly claim the prize—putting himself ahead of Mbappé. L’Équipe’s cover story highlights five contenders: Mbappé, Yamal, Messi, Dembélé, and Kane, calling it “their project.” Meanwhile, Rodri—the World Cup’s best player—remains quietly overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, content to let others shine and focused on football’s deeper values, not marketability. His muted campaign at Man City hasn’t dimmed his World Cup impact, leaving fans wondering if he’ll finally get his due. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Sources: https://www.si.com/soccer/lamine-yamal-kylian-mbappe-three-main-rivals-teased-ballon-dor More coverage & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/449fd37558bf573a Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

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