Lamine Yamal Leads the Race: 2026 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings

September 25, 2025 Kris Isaksen

With the 2025 Ballon d'Or now in the books and Ousmane Dembele lifting the golden trophy in Paris, attention quickly turns to next year’s race. The 2026 edition promises fierce competition with a World Cup on the horizon and club giants eyeing continental glory. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 contenders most likely to claim the Ballon d’Or next year.

10. Cole Palmer – England’s Wildcard

Cole Palmer may not be the most consistent performer, but his knack for showing up in high-stakes matches keeps him in the spotlight. After a brilliant showing in the Club World Cup and with Chelsea back in the Champions League, he has the stage set to make a statement in 2026.

9. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco’s Game-Changer

Hakimi's influence on both ends of the pitch makes him a standout right-back in world football. PSG’s system relies heavily on his creativity and defensive prowess, and with Morocco eyeing AFCON glory and a strong World Cup, his stock could soar.

8. Ousmane Dembele – Can Lightning Strike Twice?

Dembele’s first Ballon d'Or win capped an incredible turnaround, but can he maintain that level? Moved centrally under Luis Enrique, the Frenchman became PSG’s spark – but his injury record still looms as a major obstacle.

7. Vitinha – PSG’s Midfield Maestro

Vitinha hit new heights in 2025, winning a treble with PSG and adding a Nations League title with Portugal. If his trajectory continues, and both his club and country shine in 2026, his Ballon d'Or chances will only grow stronger.

6. Pedri – Spain’s Silent Architect

Often overshadowed by flashier teammates, Pedri continues to prove his value through balance, control, and intelligence on the ball. If Spain and Barcelona go deep in major tournaments, he’ll finally get the recognition his play deserves.

5. Mohamed Salah – Still in the Running

Despite his age, Salah remains one of the world’s most lethal attackers. With Liverpool chasing the Premier League and Champions League, and Egypt poised for strong tournament runs, 2026 could be his best shot yet at Ballon d'Or glory.

4. Harry Kane – The Bundesliga's Leading Man

Kane has silenced doubters in Germany, lighting up the Bundesliga and Champions League with relentless scoring. If England’s World Cup campaign goes well, the prolific striker could finally get the individual honor he’s long been chasing.

3. Erling Haaland – Goals, Goals, Goals

Haaland’s scoring record continues to defy logic, but a Ballon d'Or still eludes him. With Norway closing in on World Cup qualification and City back in the Champions League mix, 2026 might be his year if everything clicks.

2. Kylian Mbappe – The Galactico with a Point to Prove

Mbappe closed last season on fire at Real Madrid and hasn’t missed a beat since. With a shot at both domestic and World Cup titles – and the chance to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer – his path to the Ballon d'Or looks clear.

1. Lamine Yamal – The Teen Taking Over the Game

Second place at just 18 is a staggering feat, but Lamine Yamal looks destined to win it all. Already a dominant force for Barcelona and a key figure for Spain, if his teams deliver in 2026, no one will stand in his way.

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