Share!
The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has entered a crucial stage following the release of the shortlist for football’s most prestigious individual award.
With the winner scheduled to be announced in October, some of the biggest names in world football are battling for the honour after impressive campaigns at both club and international level.
Here is a ranking of the leading contenders ahead of the ceremony.
1. Harry Kane — Bayern Munich and England
Harry Kane tops the current power ranking after producing an outstanding campaign for Bayern Munich.
The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German giants, while also playing an important role in build up play and chance creation.
Although England failed to win the World Cup, Kane remained one of the key figures in their campaign and is now firmly among the favourites to claim his first Ballon d’Or.
2. Rodri — Barcelona and Spain
Rodri has another compelling case after playing a major role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.
The midfielder was central to Spain’s dominance and once again demonstrated his influence in the middle of the pitch. His chances could, however, be affected by Manchester City’s failure to win the Premier League during his final season at the club, despite their success in domestic cup competitions.
3. Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid and France
Kylian Mbappé continues to strengthen his case for a maiden Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid forward scored 40 goals in 42 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League during his second season in Spain.
He was also one of France’s outstanding players at the World Cup and finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner. Real Madrid’s failure to secure major honours, however, could count against him.
4. Lamine Yamal — Barcelona and Spain
At only 19, Lamine Yamal has already established himself as one of the leading candidates for the award. The Barcelona winger recorded 41 goal contributions in 45 appearances during the season, underlining his remarkable consistency and attacking influence.
An injury affected his World Cup campaign and limited his impact as Spain went on to win the tournament. His performances for Barcelona, however, keep him firmly in contention.
5. Lionel Messi — Inter Miami and Argentina
Lionel Messi remains in the race for what would be a record ninth Ballon d’Or. The Argentina captain played an important role during his country’s World Cup campaign, although Argentina were unable to retain the title.
At club level, Messi helped Inter Miami win the MLS title. However, playing outside Europe and Argentina’s disappointing World Cup finish could make it difficult for him to secure another individual crown.
6. Michael Olise — Bayern Munich and France
Michael Olise enjoyed a breakthrough season and emerged as one of Bayern Munich’s most exciting attacking players.
The France international impressed with his creativity, particularly during transitions and in the final third.
He also finished the World Cup as the competition’s leading assist provider after registering two assists in France’s third place playoff.
7. Erling Haaland — Manchester City and Norway
Erling Haaland remains one of the most prolific goalscorers in world football. Despite Manchester City’s struggles towards the end of the campaign, the Norwegian continued to produce goals and add to his impressive record.
He also made a major impact at the World Cup, scoring seven goals as Norway returned to the competition and finished among the tournament’s leading scorers.
8. Jude Bellingham — Real Madrid and England
Jude Bellingham remains among the leading names in the Ballon d’Or conversation despite a less productive campaign statistically at Real Madrid. The England midfielder continued to deliver in important matches and developed an effective partnership with Kane during the World Cup.
Although his goals and assists declined during his third season in Madrid, his performances for England kept him among the world’s elite.
9. Ousmane Dembélé — Paris Saint Germain and France
Ousmane Dembélé may not command the same attention as some of the other nominees, but he remains an important attacking threat for both club and country. The Frenchman scored 20 goals in 40 appearances for Paris Saint Germain, down from the 35 goals he recorded in 53 appearances during the previous campaign.
His combination with Mbappé and Olise nevertheless helped make France one of the most dangerous attacking teams at the World Cup.
10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — Paris Saint Germain and Georgia
The Georgian winger was particularly impressive during the Champions League knockout stages, producing several eye catching performances against some of Europe’s strongest opposition.
His performances at the highest level have kept him among the leading contenders as the Ballon d’Or race approaches its conclusion.
