Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings: The top 10 contenders right now
The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is already heating up, even with months still left in the season. Football’s biggest stars are producing defining moments week after week, and the battle to be crowned the best player in the world is wide open. From established legends to emerging superstars, the current shortlist is packed with talent. Here is the ranked top 10, starting from the bottom and building up to the favourite.
10. Luis Díaz
Luis Díaz has enjoyed a stunning first season at Bayern Munich, quickly proving why the German giants were so eager to bring him in. His output in both goals and assists has been outstanding, making him one of the most decisive wide players in Europe this year. Bayern’s strong Champions League form has only boosted his profile further. The only real question is whether Colombia can provide him with the international success that often helps Ballon d’Or winners. Still, on pure club form, Díaz has firmly placed himself among the contenders.
9. Vinícius Jr
Vinícius Jr remains one of football’s most dangerous attacking forces, even if his season has been slightly inconsistent so far. Real Madrid’s success in the final months could easily propel him back into the very top tier of the race. With Brazil heading into a World Cup year, he will also have the chance to shine on the biggest stage of all. Few players possess his ability to change a match in an instant. If the trophies begin to roll in, Vinícius will be impossible to ignore.
8. Ousmane Dembélé
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner has endured a stop-start campaign due to injury, but his recent performances have reminded everyone of his brilliance. Dembélé’s flair, unpredictability and ability to deliver in big moments keep him firmly in the conversation. PSG will be aiming for European glory, and he could once again be central to that ambition. His goals against Marseille and Lille have already become highlights of the season. If he finishes strongly, retaining the award is not out of the question.
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7. Lionel Messi
Even at 38, Lionel Messi continues to do things that feel almost beyond belief. His numbers with Inter Miami remain extraordinary, and his influence for Argentina is still unmatched. With the World Cup approaching, the possibility of Messi leading his country to another triumph is enough to keep him high in the rankings. No player in history has won the Ballon d’Or more times, and another would only add to his legend. As always, Messi remains football’s ultimate wildcard.
6. Pedri
Pedri has become the heartbeat of Barcelona’s midfield, controlling matches with maturity far beyond his years. While his statistics may not jump off the page, his importance to Barça’s style of play is undeniable. He dictates tempo, breaks lines with his passing, and brings calmness in the most intense moments. Many already view him as the natural heir to Andrés Iniesta. If Barcelona win major trophies this season, Pedri’s name will rise even higher.
5. Declan Rice
Declan Rice has taken his game to another level this season, emerging as one of the most complete midfielders in world football. His leadership, athleticism and set-piece quality have been vital for Arsenal’s title push. Rice looks like a player determined to drag his club to long-awaited glory. If Arsenal end their Premier League drought, his contribution will be impossible to overlook. Add a strong World Cup with England, and Rice could find himself right on the podium.
4. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is doing things no teenager should be able to do at this level, and yet he continues to exceed expectations. His combination of confidence, creativity and end product has made him one of Barcelona’s most important players already. The idea of a teenage Ballon d’Or winner once felt impossible, but Yamal is making it seem realistic. His rise has been meteoric, and the football world is watching closely. If he maintains this trajectory, history could be written in 2026.
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3. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has started the season like a man on a mission, bulldozing defences with his trademark power and ruthlessness. Manchester City’s return to dominance has been closely tied to his goalscoring form. Few players in the modern game strike fear quite like Haaland when he gets going. His ability to deliver in the biggest matches keeps him firmly among the favourites. Should City conquer Europe again, Haaland’s case will become even stronger.
2. Harry Kane
Harry Kane is enjoying arguably the finest season of his career, combining relentless goalscoring with all-round brilliance. At Bayern Munich, he has added trophies to his résumé while continuing to post staggering numbers. Kane is no longer just a striker; he is a complete attacking leader who shapes games in multiple ways. A Champions League triumph or a World Cup run with England could push him over the top. The Ballon d’Or has rarely felt this achievable for him.
1. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé currently looks like the inevitable winner if the season ended today. His goal return at Real Madrid has been outrageous, and he appears to be entering the true prime of his career. Mbappé has long been billed as the successor to Messi and Ronaldo, and this may finally be the year he claims football’s greatest individual prize. With Madrid chasing trophies on all fronts and France among the World Cup favourites, everything is aligning perfectly. Right now, the Ballon d’Or feels like his to lose.
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