Fans Are Convinced Fabrizio Romano Leaked Winner

In a post uploaded 15 minutes before the event began on DAZN, Romano sent out a post on X confirming the 10 players who remain in contention. On the said list are Mbappe, Kane and Yamal who, as expected on tonight’s podium, occupy the top three spots.

Romano noted that the list is ‘in no particular order’ but fans are convinced it will be the official Ballon d’Or rankings. The first name on said list is Mbappe, while Kane is second and Yamal is third.

The fact that the three favourites are listed as the top three is hard to ignore, especially for fans looking for any sign of a winner being revealed. Other names who join the trio include Lionel Messi, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland and Fabian Ruiz.

Mbappe has earned a lot of support in the hours leading up to the award and the decision to have Ronaldo hand the award to the winner might be another sign. Formerly of Madrid, he’s a legendary striker whom the Frenchman’s playing style is often likened to.

Fans Believe Romano Leaked Ballon d’Or Winner

REUTERS/Bruna Casas

Romano’s post and the list didn’t go unnoticed by fans who couldn’t look past the top four in particular. That’s despite the Italian journalist insisting that it had been published in no particular order.

One fan wrote: “Bro mistakenly leaked the actual order.”

Another added: “Bro thinks we can’t see him.”

One fan is adamant: “He’s just leaked the order hasn’t he?”

Another has been spotting a theme with Romano posts: “I get the feeling Fabrizio has been revealing the Ballon d’Or through all of his posts, without saying it explicitly. Suspect this is the actual top 10 order.”

One added: “Well, I see it in a pretty particular order, eh.”

Another isn’t so sure about the top 10 but is certain of the top four: “Yeah that top four is surely the top four, even if the order ends up being different.”

Romano did state on the red carpet prior to the ceremony that Kane is ‘the favourite’ for now. That might well mean his list is how he thinks the top 10 should look come the end of the gala in London.