Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match against England in London, Saturday Sept, 26, 2026. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP).

MANCHESTER - The Ballon d'Or winners will be announced on Monday with a new generation of soccer stars, led by Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbapp, ready to stamp their name on the trophy that for so long was a personal duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, of course, is still in the running for soccer's top individual prize at the age of 39 after his outstanding performances at the World Cup.