Zinedine Zidane has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, saying he would vote for him 100 times and would not be surprised if he wins. Messi has already secured his place on the shortlist, and the award will be officially unveiled in London on October 26.

Zidane's backing of Messi

Speaking to goal.com, Zidane said: "I would vote for Messi 100 times. I think people really don’t understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old."

He added: "I wouldn't be surprised if Messi won the award."

That endorsement carries weight because Zidane is not selling a sentimental farewell tour. He is arguing for a player who, at 39, is still putting up elite output and still looks like part of the very top tier.

The case for Messi is not built on reputation alone. He recorded 47 goals and 31 assists in 54 matches from August 3 to July 31, then added 8 goals and 4 assists at the 2026 World Cup. He also won the MLS MVP for the second consecutive year after Inter Miami were crowned MLS Cup champions for the first time in December 2025.

The case against the award

Ally McCoist offered the clearest pushback. Speaking to givemesport.com, he said: "He doesn't deserve it. It's for the player of the year, it's the Ballon d'Or, which he wasn't. He has been, but he wasn't this year."

McCoist also pointed to Harry Kane, saying: "But Harry Kane has been absolutely out of this world. And I don't buy the argument that you cannot win the award unless you win the Champions League or you have a great World Cup."

The shortlist itself adds to the debate. It has only 30 players, with several World Cup, Champions League and Premier League winners left out, so every vote is going to be argued over. Zidane's stance keeps Messi right in the middle of that argument, while McCoist's line is the sharper reminder that output alone does not settle a Ballon d'Or vote.

The award will be officially unveiled in London on October 26, and Messi is on the shortlist with the race already split between admiration for his numbers and doubt over whether this was the standout season of the year.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →