France Football, the organizers of the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, are introducing a change in their protocol for the winner this year.

In previous years, the winner was interviewed by France Football before the event, allowing them to know in advance that they had won.

• Amaryllis Hotel public inquiry finishes questions still there
• MEDF set to Disburse K100 Billion Loans to Malawians
• Hichilema Accepts Nomination for 2026 Re-Election, Pledges Unity and Peace for Zambia
• Kamangila says there was criminal negligence in Chilima’s death
• Suleman Chitera Hails Mutharika for Transparent Diplomatic Appointments

However, according to Mario Cortegana, a correspondent for The Athletic, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will only find out when the envelope is opened live during the ceremony.

With just over two weeks to go, speculation is rife about who will take home football’s most coveted individual prize.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is heavily tipped to win, with many considering him the frontrunner after his stellar performances last season, helping Los Blancos secure both LaLiga and Champions League titles.

He faces competition from top names like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Manchester City’s Rodri