Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings: Kane leads the charge as Haaland, Yamal & Mbappé battle for glory

October 24, 2025 Oliver Obel

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. With Ousmane Dembélé’s shock win in 2025 still fresh in the memory, the competition for football’s most prestigious individual prize is wide open once again. From unstoppable strikers to teenage prodigies redefining the game, this season has already produced a stunning mix of form and flair. With a World Cup on the horizon, every goal, assist, and moment of brilliance could make the difference in who lifts the Golden Ball next year.

12. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)

Vitinha has quietly become one of PSG’s most influential players under Luis Enrique. The Portuguese midfielder’s vision and technical control have given Paris a new rhythm in possession. His ability to glide between lines and dictate tempo makes him the link that keeps the team ticking. While others grab the headlines, Vitinha’s importance to PSG’s balance and success cannot be overstated.

11. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal & England)

Bukayo Saka continues to elevate his game with every passing season. The Arsenal star has evolved into one of Europe’s most consistent and dangerous wingers, blending creativity with a ruthless eye for goal. His intelligence in the final third and work ethic make him indispensable for both club and country. If Arsenal mount a genuine challenge in Europe and England go deep at the World Cup, Saka’s Ballon d’Or credentials will only grow stronger.

10. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)

Even after a season filled with injury setbacks, Jude Bellingham remains central to Real Madrid’s ambitions. His leadership, maturity, and knack for decisive goals have already made him a superstar. Few midfielders in the world influence games quite like he does. If he regains full fitness and drives both club and country forward, another top-five Ballon d’Or finish wouldn’t surprise anyone.

9. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain & France)

Ousmane Dembele — Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t slowed down. Ousmane Dembélé continues to dazzle defences with his pace, skill, and unpredictability. Under Luis Enrique, he’s evolved into a more complete attacker, capable of leading PSG’s line in style. Winning back-to-back Golden Balls would be an immense challenge, but his form ensures he remains very much in the race.

8. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia)

Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich has been a revelation. The Colombian winger has added another dimension to Bayern’s attack with his fearless dribbling and tireless work rate. His energy and flair have made him a fan favourite in Germany and a nightmare for defenders. If Bayern continue to dominate domestically and in Europe, Díaz’s name will feature heavily in Ballon d’Or discussions.

7. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)

Since arriving from Crystal Palace, Michael Olise has wasted no time making an impact at Bayern Munich. With six goals and six assists already, he’s quickly established himself among Europe’s elite wide players. His technical precision and confidence in tight spaces make him one of the Bundesliga’s most entertaining talents. A strong World Cup with France could elevate him even higher in next year’s rankings.

6. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid & Brazil)

vinicius — Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Vinícius Jr remains one of football’s most electrifying figures. After narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he’s come back sharper, hungrier, and more decisive. His partnership with Mbappé at Real Madrid has already produced fireworks and could lead to a glittering season. If both club and country succeed, Vinícius will be knocking on the Ballon d’Or door once again.

5. Pedri (Barcelona & Spain)

Pedri continues to be the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain. His composure on the ball, vision, and intelligence defy his young age. With Hansi Flick shaping a new era at Barça, Pedri has become even more central to their style and success. He’s the perfect blend of artistry and efficiency — the kind of midfielder every generation only produces once.

4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)

Kylian Mbappe — Mikolaj Barbanell / Shutterstock.com

Now firmly settled at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé looks every bit the superstar many expected him to become. His finishing remains lethal, his acceleration unstoppable, and his desire for greatness undimmed. Already on 15 goals this season, Mbappé is once again carrying both club and country’s hopes on his shoulders. The only thing standing between him and a Ballon d’Or might be the brilliance of his closest rivals.

3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)

Lamine Yamal’s rise has been nothing short of historic. At 17, he’s already one of the best young players in the world and the face of Barcelona’s new generation. His flair, confidence, and maturity have drawn comparisons to Messi — but Yamal is writing his own story. If he keeps producing match-winning performances, he could shatter records by becoming the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.

2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)

Erling Haaland continues to redefine what it means to be a goalscorer. The Norwegian striker has already hit a staggering 21 goals this season across club and international football. His physical dominance, timing, and unrelenting drive make him football’s ultimate finisher. With Manchester City back to their best, Haaland’s pursuit of his first Ballon d’Or feels inevitable.

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)

Harry Kane is showing the football world exactly what happens when one of its most complete strikers joins a team built to win. His combination of ruthless finishing, creativity, and intelligence has made him the heartbeat of Bayern Munich’s attack. Twenty goals in 12 games speak for themselves, but Kane’s leadership and consistency go beyond numbers. If he guides England to glory in 2026, his first Ballon d’Or could finally be within reach.