Ballon d'Or 2026 Contenders Power Rankings

The 2026 World Cup has concluded, giving us a clearer view of who might be leading the race for the Ballon d'Or when the award is presented in London on October 26. Spain convincingly defeated Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Lionel Messi, now 39, unable to influence the game despite an impressive tournament overall.

Paris Saint-Germain also boasts several players in the running after their Champions League win over Arsenal, who themselves claimed the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. Unlike previous years when the Ballon d'Or was based on a calendar year, this year’s voting reflects the 2025/26 season performance, marking the fourth time the award considers season results.

Below is our ranking of the top 20 players most likely to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, factoring in team achievements and individual form.

Ranking Criteria

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (for defensive players)
• Trophies won or contested
• Key moments during the 2025/26 season including the World Cup
• Overall form

15. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain & France

Although surrounded by stars at club and international level, 21-year-old Desire Doue sometimes flies under the radar. He featured in four of France’s World Cup matches, scoring once and assisting once, but performances from teammates like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele overshadowed him. While unlikely to win this year, he seems destined for future Ballon d'Or success.

• Games: 41 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 13 (1)
• Assists: 11 (1)
• Honours: Ligue 1, Champions League

14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia

The Georgian winger lit up the season with exceptional performances as PSG clinched both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. The absence of Georgia from the World Cup, however, dims his chances for the Ballon d'Or this year despite his stellar stats.

• Games: 48
• Goals: 19
• Assists: 11
• Honours: Ligue 1, Champions League

13. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

Pedri played in all eight World Cup games for Spain but started only five, as Luis de la Fuente preferred Fabian Ruiz in the final against Argentina. Despite Spain’s triumph, Pedri’s limited starring role means he probably won’t win the Ballon d'Or but could still place within the top 10.

• Games: 43 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 2 (0)
• Assists: 12 (0)
• Honours: La Liga, World Cup

12. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona & Spain

Aged under 20, Cubarsi earned the Best Young Player award at the World Cup and helped Spain lift the trophy. His rise has been rapid, but reaching the Ballon d'Or podium remains a big challenge this year.

• Games: 48 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 1 (0)
• Assists: 0 (0)
• Honours: La Liga, World Cup, Best Young Player

11. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain & Spain

Ruiz surprised many by starting key matches for Spain in the World Cup, complementing his successful season at PSG with Ligue 1 and Champions League titles. Yet being eclipsed by teammate Rodri in the final likely rules out a Ballon d'Or win for him this year.

• Games: 34 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 2 (1)
• Assists: 5 (0)
• Honours: Ligue 1, Champions League, World Cup

10. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway

Haaland helped Man City secure the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, scoring key goals but falling short in the Premier League race. At his World Cup debut, he scored seven times, including two against Brazil, yet Norway’s exit in the quarter-finals ended his campaign. His rising profile makes him a breakout star, though winning the Ballon d'Or this year seems unlikely.

• Games: 52 (5 World Cup)
• Goals: 38 (7)
• Assists: 9 (1)
• Honours: League Cup, FA Cup

9. Declan Rice – Arsenal & England

Rice is arguably unmatched as a midfielder and set-piece specialist besides Jude Bellingham. He led Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 and performed strongly at the World Cup, scoring and assisting in the third-place playoff win. Still, missing out on World Cup glory will sting for someone of his mentality.

• Games: 55 (7 World Cup)
• Goals: 5 (1)
• Assists: 11 (2)
• Titles: Premier League

8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Bellingham’s Real Madrid season lacked trophies, but his inspired showing at the World Cup, especially a crucial goal in the last-16 victory over Mexico, propelled him into the top 10. He scored seven goals in the tournament, a record for an English player, and added one assist.

• Games: 40 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 8 (7)
• Assists: 5 (1)

7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Olise’s form for Bayern Munich skyrocketed this season, providing an incredible 31 assists and earning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal honours. Despite France’s semi-final World Cup loss, Olise led the tournament in assists with eight, proving his creative quality.

• Games: 52 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 22 (0)
• Assists: 31 (8)
• Honours: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France

Mbappe edges closer to becoming the world’s best footballer, having scored 256 goals for PSG before moving to Real Madrid last summer. After a slow start, he found form with 42 goals in 44 games this season. Real Madrid had a rare trophyless year, and though Mbappe scored 10 goals in the World Cup, a semi-final loss to Spain ended his chances for the Ballon d'Or this year.

• Games: 44 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 42 (10)
• Assists: 7 (4)