2026 Ballon d’Or power rankings: 15 players to watch in the race for football’s top prize

November 6, 2025 Kris Isaksen

The battle for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is heating up, with familiar faces and breakout stars all vying for football's most prestigious individual award. With club form, international success, and big-game moments all taken into account, here’s a look at 15 players who could claim the crown—ranked in reverse order, from long shots to leading contenders.

15. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al-Nassr & Portugal

At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo is still defying time. While his chances of winning another Ballon d'Or are slim, his name remains in the conversation thanks to his continued scoring exploits in Saudi Arabia and an ever-loyal fanbase.

14. Vitinha – Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal

Vitinha has quietly emerged as a vital piece in PSG’s midfield. With his sharp passing and tactical awareness, he could rise further in these rankings if he helps lead club and country to silverware in 2026.

13. Raphinha – Barcelona & Brazil

The Brazilian winger has had flashes of brilliance for Barcelona. If he finds consistency and Brazil make a deep run at the World Cup, Raphinha could become a surprise dark horse in the race.

12. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami & Argentina

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner may be in the twilight of his career, but Messi remains a football icon. Unless Argentina makes another deep run in the World Cup, though, his chances of winning again are likely more sentimental than realistic.

11. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Still only in his early 20s, Jude Bellingham continues to mature into one of the world's top midfielders. If he can add major trophies to his growing résumé this season, he’ll be hard to ignore in the final Ballon d'Or conversation.

10. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain & France

After a sensational 2024/25 campaign that saw him win the Ballon d'Or, Dembele is trying to do the unthinkable—go back-to-back. With strong early-season form and a crucial role at PSG, he's still very much in the hunt.

9. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Olise’s move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich has proven to be a stroke of genius. With seven goals and seven assists already, the 23-year-old Frenchman is rising fast and could peak just in time for the 2026 World Cup.

8. Declan Rice – Arsenal & England

Rice has become the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield and looks better than ever this season. Should he lead the Gunners to a long-awaited Premier League title and inspire England at the World Cup, he could be a legitimate Ballon d'Or podium finisher.

7. Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid & Brazil

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Still stinging from his Ballon d'Or snub in 2024, Vinicius Jr is hungry to prove himself. With Real Madrid looking sharper under new management, this could finally be the season he puts it all together and claims the prize.

6. Luis Diaz – Bayern Munich & Colombia

Diaz has been on fire since his switch to Bayern Munich, delivering big goals in key matches. While Colombia’s World Cup hopes may hinder his case, his club performances keep him firmly in the mix.

5. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

Often compared to legends like Iniesta, Pedri is beginning to carve out his own legacy. His intelligence and vision are unmatched for his age, and if Barcelona or Spain capture silverware, his Ballon d'Or stock will skyrocket.

4. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway

The Norwegian machine has bounced back from what some saw as a quiet year with a ferocious scoring streak. With 21 goals already across club and country, Haaland is reminding everyone why he’s always a top contender.

3. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona & Spain

A generational talent in the making, Yamal is rewriting the record books before turning 18. If he continues his meteoric rise and shines at the World Cup, he could become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.

2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich & England

Kane’s move to Bayern has been nothing short of a masterstroke. With 22 goals already this season and a shot at both Champions League and World Cup glory, the England captain might finally claim the individual prize he’s long deserved.

1. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France

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Mbappe leads the pack as the favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Now at Real Madrid, he’s delivering sensational numbers and has both club and country poised for major success—everything points to him lifting the golden ball at last.