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Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings: 10 players who could win football’s biggest prize

With Ousmane Dembélé freshly crowned as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, attention has already shifted to who might lift the golden ball in 2026. Based on current form, team success, and international potential, here are the top 10 contenders for next year’s most prestigious individual football award.

10. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Jude Bellingham
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Injuries may have stalled Jude Bellingham’s momentum, but his incredible debut season at Real Madrid – with 23 goals and a Champions League title – ensures he remains a top-tier contender. Now fully fit after shoulder surgery, the England star is ready to lead both club and country in another trophy chase.

9. Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain & France

Ousmane Dembele
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Fresh off his Ballon d’Or win, Dembélé looks to defy the odds and go back-to-back. He’s already making an impact this season with two goals and two assists in Ligue 1, and under Luis Enrique, PSG’s frontline is built around his unpredictable brilliance.

8. Luis Díaz – Bayern Munich & Colombia

Luis Diaz
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Luis Díaz has hit the ground running in Germany, quickly becoming a key player at Bayern Munich with six goals and four assists in his first 11 games. Liverpool’s loss is Bayern’s gain, though his Ballon d’Or chances might suffer due to Colombia’s slim World Cup hopes.

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7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Michael Olise
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Michael Olise has been nothing short of sensational since joining Bayern, contributing 12 goal involvements in just 11 matches. At only 23, and with France expected to go deep at the World Cup, Olise is suddenly a serious contender for the sport’s biggest accolade.

6. Vinícius Jr – Real Madrid & Brazil

Vinicius Jr.
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Despite his frustration in 2024, Vinícius Jr is back with a point to prove. With Real Madrid in great form under Xabi Alonso, and Vini already tallying nine goal contributions, his shot at the Ballon d’Or could finally become a reality if trophies follow.

5. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

Barcelona’s midfield maestro continues to impress with his composure, creativity, and intelligence. At just 22, Pedri is widely seen as the heir to Iniesta’s throne – and if he helps Spain shine at the World Cup, a Ballon d’Or could be within reach.

4. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway

Erling Haaland
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Erling Haaland is back to his jaw-dropping best, smashing 14 goals in just 10 games for Manchester City. Even more frightening is his international form, scoring nine in three for Norway, proving once again why he’s always in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

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3. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona & Spain

Lamine yamal
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Still only a teenager, Lamine Yamal is rewriting the rulebook with his precocious talent and maturity. Already leading for both club and country, his trajectory is so steep that becoming the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history doesn’t seem far-fetched.

2. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich & England

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Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has reignited his pursuit of greatness, racking up 19 goals and three assists in just 11 games. If he pairs club success with a World Cup run for England, he could become the first English Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen.

1. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid & France

Kylian Mbappe
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With 15 goals in 11 games and the backing of both Real Madrid and the French national team, Kylian Mbappé is the clear frontrunner. Already a global icon, 2026 could finally be the year he adds the Ballon d’Or to his overflowing trophy cabinet.

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