Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings: who’s leading the race?
With Ousmane Dembélé lifting the 2025 Ballon d'Or, focus has already shifted to who might claim football’s top individual prize in 2026. Based on form, goals, team success and the looming World Cup, here are the 10 players best positioned to win the next Ballon d'Or – ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Ousmane Dembélé – PSG & France
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner is facing the challenge of maintaining his peak. While retaining the title will be tough, his dynamic performances for PSG and France keep him firmly in the conversation.
9. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France
Olise's move from Crystal Palace to Bayern Munich has been nothing short of a revelation. With 14 goal involvements in 17 games and a World Cup on the horizon, he’s making a serious case for global recognition.
8. Declan Rice – Arsenal & England
Declan Rice has become the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield and a leader for England. If he helps end Arsenal’s title drought and inspires a deep World Cup run, his Ballon d’Or stock will soar.
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7. Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid & Brazil
Still reeling from missing out in 2024, Vinicius Jr is back with a point to prove. With Real Madrid improving and the Brazilian hungry for silverware, he’s among the top contenders once again.
6. Luis Díaz – Bayern Munich & Colombia
Liverpool may regret letting Díaz leave, as he’s been electric in Germany. Despite Colombia being long shots at the World Cup, his club form alone makes him a major player in the race.
5. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain
Often compared to the greats, Pedri continues to elevate his game in Barcelona’s midfield. Still just 22, he’s become central to club and country – and now he’s chasing the world’s biggest individual honour.
4. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway
Haaland's relentless scoring has returned in full force, with 21 goals by October. If City reclaim domestic and European glory, his goal tally might just take him to the top of the podium.
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3. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona & Spain
At only 17, Yamal is rewriting what’s possible for teenagers in elite football. Already carrying both club and country, the prodigy is threatening to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.
2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich & England
Kane is firing on all cylinders in Germany and finally collecting trophies. If he adds Champions League or World Cup glory to his résumé, he could be the first English Ballon d'Or winner in over two decades.
1. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid & France
Mbappé’s time feels inevitable. Now at Real Madrid and in electric form, he’s combining club dominance with international ambition – and looks destined to finally lift the Ballon d’Or in 2026.
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