Here are the Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already heating up, with world-class stars and rising prodigies battling to impress ahead of next summer’s World Cup in North America. While Ousmane Dembélé lifted the golden trophy in 2025, the new campaign has opened up a fresh debate about who truly deserves to be called the best player in the world. From emerging English talents to established global icons, here are the top 10 contenders for football’s most prestigious individual award.
10. Cole Palmer (Chelsea / England)
Cole Palmer continues to build his reputation as one of England’s brightest young attacking talents. The Chelsea playmaker showed his knack for big moments last season, shining in the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup. If he can add consistency to his game and perform regularly in the Champions League and at the World Cup, Palmer could become a serious outside contender for the Ballon d’Or.
9. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain / Morocco)
Achraf Hakimi remains one of the most complete full-backs in world football. His ability to dominate both ends of the pitch makes him an invaluable asset for PSG and Morocco. With the Africa Cup of Nations taking place on home soil and Morocco tipped as favorites, Hakimi could climb the Ballon d’Or ladder quickly if he helps his nation lift the trophy.
8. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
After finally fulfilling his potential, Ousmane Dembélé is looking to prove that his 2025 Ballon d’Or win was no fluke. His transformation at PSG under Luis Enrique has been remarkable, especially since moving into a central attacking role. If he stays injury-free and maintains his current form, the French winger could easily be in the mix for consecutive Ballon d’Or honors.
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7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)
Vitinha’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. The Portuguese midfielder played a pivotal role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign and also led Portugal to Nations League glory. His intelligence, vision, and creativity make him one of the finest midfielders in Europe. Should PSG and Portugal continue their success, Vitinha could find himself among the top finalists once again.
6. Pedri (Barcelona / Spain)
Pedri is already one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation. Despite his young age, he controls games with maturity far beyond his years, combining ball recovery with flawless passing. If Barcelona return to their best and Spain challenge for the World Cup title, Pedri could finally earn the recognition many believe he deserves.
5. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool / Egypt)
At 33, Mohamed Salah is still operating at an elite level. His consistency, goal-scoring instinct, and leadership continue to drive Liverpool’s success. With both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup on his schedule, Salah has the chance to cement his legacy — and perhaps claim the Ballon d’Or that has eluded him throughout his incredible career.
4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich / England)
Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich has been a masterstroke. The English striker remains one of the deadliest finishers in football, leading the Bundesliga scoring charts and dominating in Europe. If Bayern push deep in the Champions League and England live up to their World Cup potential, Kane will be impossible to ignore in next year’s Ballon d’Or voting.
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3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Lamine Yamal is rewriting the record books at just 18 years old. His dazzling dribbling, confidence, and vision have made him one of the most entertaining players in the world. Already a Ballon d’Or runner-up, Yamal seems destined for greatness. A strong Champions League campaign and a deep World Cup run could make 2026 his year.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway)
Erling Haaland continues to score goals at a superhuman rate. The Norwegian striker is already carrying his national team toward World Cup qualification while maintaining his dominance at Manchester City. If he combines another prolific club season with Norway’s return to the global stage, Haaland will be one of the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual prize.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid / France)
Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid ended in fireworks — a Golden Shoe, a hat-trick in El Clásico, and another reminder that he thrives under pressure. Now, with Real chasing both La Liga and Champions League glory, and France among the World Cup favorites, Mbappé looks poised to finally lift the Ballon d’Or in 2026. It might just be his era at last.
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