Messi, Yamal and Mbappe set new Ballon d’Or records

Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappé have achieved notable milestones in the history of the Ballon d’Or, underlining their sustained excellence and impact on world football.

Messi, at 39 years and four months, is the oldest player to feature in the Ballon d’Or top 10 since Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon finished among the leading contenders in 2017 at 39 years and 10 months.

The Argentine forward’s latest top-10 finish highlights his longevity at the highest level, having remained a prominent figure in football for nearly two decades.

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Meanwhile, Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has made history as the first player to secure three Ballon d’Or top-10 finishes before turning 20.

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Yamal’s achievement reflects his rapid rise in the game and his growing reputation as one of football’s leading young talents. Despite his age, the Spain international has continued to attract recognition among the world’s best players.

France captain Kylian Mbappé has also reached a significant milestone, becoming the first French player to record nine consecutive top-10 finishes in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

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The Real Madrid forward’s consistency places him among the most regularly recognized players of his generation, having remained in contention for the prestigious individual award across successive years.

Together, the milestones underline three different aspects of footballing excellence: Messi’s longevity, Yamal’s remarkable early career, and Mbappé’s sustained consistency.

Their achievements add further context to the Ballon d’Or’s history, with the trio continuing to shape conversations about the game’s greatest players across different generations.