David Beckham has revealed his favorite for the next Ballon d’Or, and the former England international has surprisingly overlooked several of the biggest names currently dominating the conversation.
No Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal or even Harry Kane. Beckham believes the prestigious France Football award should go to another football legend this year: Lionel Messi.
“Messi is the one who deserves it the most,” Beckham said when asked about his preferred candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
For the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, Messi’s performances at the World Cup play a major role in his decision. The Argentine captain once again carried enormous responsibility for his national team and helped Argentina reach the final of the tournament.
Throughout the competition, Messi remained one of Argentina’s most influential players, contributing with his creativity, leadership and experience. According to Beckham, what the Argentine achieved at his age makes his performances even more impressive.
“Probably the best player at the World Cup”
“He was probably the best player at the World Cup. He went there at 39 years old and had an influence in every single game,” Beckham explained.
Argentina ultimately fell short in the final, losing to a Spain side inspired by stars such as Rodri and Lamine Yamal. Despite that disappointment, Messi’s individual performances appear to have left a major impression on Beckham.
The Ballon d’Or debate is traditionally one of the most intense discussions in world football. Players, coaches and former stars regularly defend their preferred candidates, often based on club connections, nationality or personal relationships.
Beckham’s choice will therefore inevitably attract attention.
The former England captain spent four seasons with Real Madrid and could easily have supported one of the Spanish club’s leading stars, including Kylian Mbappé or Jude Bellingham. Instead, he has thrown his support behind a player who currently represents his own club.
Messi plays for Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer franchise in which Beckham is one of the owners. That connection naturally raises questions about how objective Beckham’s choice really is.
🚨🗣️ David Beckham: "Leo Messi should win the Ballon d'Or."
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 17, 2026
"He was probably the best player of the World Cup… He had an incredible last year." pic.twitter.com/YVodnjhKXN
His support for the Argentine is therefore hardly unexpected. Since Messi arrived in Miami, Beckham has repeatedly praised the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and highlighted the enormous impact he has had both on the club and on football in the United States.
Nevertheless, choosing Messi ahead of the leading European candidates remains a major statement.
Mbappé, Bellingham, Yamal and Kane all have strong arguments depending on their individual performances, trophies and influence during the season. Messi, meanwhile, continues to challenge expectations despite being in the final stages of his extraordinary career.
Whether Ballon d’Or voters will share Beckham’s opinion remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: by publicly backing Messi, the former Real Madrid midfielder has added another major talking point to an already heated Ballon d’Or race.
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