Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele picked up the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but who will lift the famous individual honour in 2026?

With the 2025/26 season well and truly underway, players are beginning to make their case to land the historic award, and in a World Cup year, there could be many twists and turns.

Here are the 20 players who are best placed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or right now, based on current form and their respective team’s chances of silverware.

Ranking factors: To help rank the players in order, we have considered the following criteria:

• Current form – how well a player has performed in the past few months
• Importance to their teams – how influential they are to their teams’ performances
• Reputation – what others say about them

10

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich and France

Starting the top 10 countdown is Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who has continued his fine form at the Allianz Arena into his second season.

A regular on the right wing under Vincent Kompany, Olise is already into double figures for goal contributions with Munich.

Meanwhile, his national manager, Didier Deschamps, has said Olise “has everything”, with France and Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano calling the attacker a “magician”.

9

Declan Rice

Arsenal and England

Now a vital member for club and country, Declan Rice is arguably one of the best midfielders in Europe right now, shining in a slightly further forward role at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta.

After his two stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season, Rice is going from strength to strength and has been praised by England legends David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

8

Raphinha

Barcelona and Brazil

After starring for Barcelona last season, helping them win the double, Raphinha finished 5th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, going under the radar slightly due to a certain Lamine Yamal.

However, should Barcelona lift silverware again and Raphinha stars at the World Cup with Brazil, he’ll have every chance of another top five finish.

7

Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid and Brazil

Another Brazil star, Vinicius Jr controversially lost out to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or but he now appears to be getting back to his best as he eyes the historic individual award.

On the left wing under Xabi Alonso at the Bernabeu, Vinicius is scoring regularly for Madrid and was even handed the captain’s armband in a recent Champions League victory.

6

Erling Haaland

Man City and Norway

Jamie Carragher has recently called Erling Haaland the “greatest goalscorer to ever play in English football”, with his ridiculous start to the season leading to the forward himself saying he’s in his best form.

Scoring goals for fun with Man City and Norway, Haaland could be about to play at his first World Cup in 2026, which would be his country’s first since 1998.

5

Pedri

Barcelona and Spain

Pulling the strings in Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri is seen as the greatest midfielder right now and will be looking to improve on his 11th place finish last time out.

The Spaniard has even caught the eye of iconic midfielder Paul Scholes, with the Man Utd legend calling Pedri his “new favourite footballer”.

Hansi Flick has also called Pedri a “special” player, adding that he “is also becoming a better leader” for his side.

4

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich and England

Harry Kane is continuing to do what he does best – score goals on a regular basis. With Bayern Munich, Kane scored a remarkable 17 goals in the first nine games for the German champions, becoming the fastest player this century to reach 100 goals for a side playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The England captain will also have his eyes on the 2026 World Cup, which could be his last at the age of 32.

3

Ousmane Dembele

PSG and France

Could he go back to back? Well, if PSG continue their dominance in France and in Europe, and if Ousmane Dembele helps his country to a World Cup win, there is every chance.

The forward netted his first goals of the season at the end of August before a hamstring injury halted his progress.

Still, the 28-year-old has plenty of time to return to full fitness and make his claim of another Ballon d’Or.

2

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona and Spain

Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards for the last two years, so it feels as if it is just a matter of time until the Barcelona star takes home the major individual honour.

However, Barca currently trail Real Madrid in La Liga and have already dropped points in the Champions League group stage.

Still, should Yamal carry the Catalan giants to silverware and star in his first World Cup, 2026 could be his year.

1

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid and France

Leading the way as the current 2026 Ballon d’Or favourite is Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Frenchman has begun the 2025/26 campaign in red-hot form in front of goal, with Madrid looking good under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has even called Mbappe the “best in the world”, and on current form, it’s hard to argue against the Madrid fan.