Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo

The Top 20 Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings – Complete List

October 13, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The countdown to the 2026 Ballon d’Or is officially on, and the world’s best players are battling for football’s most prestigious individual honor. From seasoned legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to rising stars such as Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham, this year’s competition blends experience, youth, and pure brilliance.

Form, trophies, and moments of magic will decide who lifts the golden ball next year. Here’s a look at the current top 20 contenders — ranked from number 20 all the way to number 1.

20. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)

Even at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time. His scoring instincts and leadership in Saudi Arabia prove he remains one of football’s most dedicated professionals. While his era may be closing, his influence on the game is still undeniable.

19. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)

Saka’s consistency and attacking brilliance keep Arsenal competitive at the top level. His ability to deliver in big moments and his growing maturity make him one of England’s brightest stars.

18. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool, Netherlands)

The Dutch midfielder has flourished in Liverpool’s system, showing versatility and control in midfield. His confidence and ball progression have made him a key figure in Klopp’s evolving setup.

17. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Still young but remarkably composed, João Neves has become the heartbeat of PSG’s midfield. His tactical intelligence and precise passing continue to draw comparisons to Portugal’s best.

16. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)

Messi’s magic hasn’t faded. In MLS, he’s brought global attention and continues to create moments of brilliance. While his European days are behind him, his legend remains alive and well.

15. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)

The Liverpool captain remains a defensive rock. His leadership, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure continue to set the standard for defenders around the world.

14. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Vitinha’s sharp playmaking and tireless work rate have elevated PSG’s midfield dynamics. His technical finesse and vision make him one of Europe’s most underrated creative forces.

13. Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)

Rice has transformed Arsenal’s midfield with his energy and authority. A leader on and off the pitch, he’s the foundation of Arsenal’s title ambitions and England’s midfield future.

12. Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)

The Brazilian winger has been explosive for Barcelona, combining flair with efficiency. His direct play and knack for decisive goals make him one of La Liga’s standout wide men.

11. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)

Olise’s move to Bayern has taken his career to new heights. His creativity, dribbling, and set-piece threat have made him a fan favorite in Germany and a serious contender for France’s national team.

10. Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)

Arguably the most complete holding midfielder in the world, Rodri remains City’s engine. His tactical awareness and ability to dictate tempo make him irreplaceable for both club and country.

9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)

Bellingham continues to shine at Real Madrid, combining physicality with elegance. His leadership and goal-scoring instincts at such a young age make him one of football’s future icons.

8. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)

Vinícius has become a superstar, terrorizing defenses with speed and flair. His partnership with Mbappé could redefine Madrid’s attack and keep him in Ballon d’Or contention.

7. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)

Salah’s consistency is unmatched. Year after year, he delivers goals and assists, maintaining elite form well into his 30s. A true modern great of the Premier League.

6. Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)

When fit, Pedri is pure brilliance. His vision, balance, and control make him Barcelona’s creative nucleus and a generational Spanish talent.

5. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)

Dembélé has rediscovered his best form in Paris. His pace, unpredictability, and improved decision-making have turned him into one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

At just 18, Yamal is rewriting football history. His composure and confidence at such a young age have stunned the world, and he’s already among the best wingers globally.

3. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

Kane’s move to Germany hasn’t slowed him down. He’s breaking records in the Bundesliga and remains one of the most clinical finishers in world football.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)

Haaland continues to dominate with his incredible goal-scoring rate. A physical powerhouse with a killer instinct, he’s again among the top favorites for the Ballon d’Or.

1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)

Mbappé stands at the top once more. His explosive speed, leadership, and impact at Real Madrid have solidified his claim as the world’s best. The Ballon d’Or 2026 could finally be his to lose.