Ballon d'Or 2026: Power Rankings and Top Contenders

The 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, offering a clearer sense of who might claim the coveted Ballon d'Or when it’s presented in London on October 26. Spain dominated Argentina in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, while Lionel Messi, now 39, couldn't leave a significant mark despite an impressive tournament overall.

Paris Saint-Germain players are also well placed after their Champions League victory over Arsenal, who themselves secured the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. This year marks only the fourth time the award votes cover the entire season rather than a calendar year, influencing the rankings accordingly.

Below are the top 20 players ranked by their individual performances, team successes, and influence throughout the 2025/26 campaign including the World Cup.

Ranking Criteria

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (for defensive players)
• Trophies won or contested
• Key moments during 2025/26 season and 2026 World Cup
• Overall form

15. Desire Doue - Paris Saint-Germain & France

Though surrounded by stars at PSG and France, 21-year-old Desire Doue still flies somewhat under the radar. He started four World Cup matches for France, scoring once and assisting another, but was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. It’s unlikely he wins this year, but his rise to elite status seems imminent.

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

14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia

Kvaratskhelia dazzled as PSG clinched both Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles. The Georgian winger’s World Cup absence due to his country not qualifying keeps him from rising higher. Without the World Cup, he’d be a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.

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

13. Pedri - Barcelona & Spain

Pedri contributed to Spain’s World Cup triumph but played a lesser role than expected, starting five of eight matches. Despite this, he appeared in all games and helped Barcelona win La Liga. A top 10 finish is possible, though winning the award seems out of reach this year.

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

12. Pau Cubarsi - Barcelona & Spain

The 2026 World Cup Best Young Player, Cubarsi played a key role in Spain’s second world championship. Not yet 20, the centre-back shows immense potential but reaching the Ballon d'Or podium remains a steep challenge.

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

11. Fabian Ruiz - Paris Saint-Germain & Spain

Ruiz surprised many by starting key games for Spain at the World Cup, delivering strong performances while helping PSG win Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Despite his impact, teammate Rodri overshadowed him in the final, making a Ballon d'Or victory unlikely.

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

10. Erling Haaland - Manchester City & Norway

Haaland added two domestic trophies to his name and impressed with goals throughout Norway’s World Cup run, including multiple braces and a standout performance against Brazil. Although he became one of the tournament’s breakout stars, Norway’s quarter-final exit caps his chances of taking home the Ballon d’Or this year.

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

9. Declan Rice - Arsenal & England

Rice remains one of the best midfielders globally, mastering set pieces and inspiring Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004. England’s third-place finish at the World Cup included a goal and assist from him, yet falling short of the final leaves some disappointment.

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

8. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid & England

Bellingham’s season with Real Madrid lacked trophies, but his World Cup performance was inspirational. Scoring seven goals—a record for an English player in one tournament—and assisting once, he was crucial in England’s third-place finish.

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

7. Michael Olise - Bayern Munich & France

Olise soared in recent months, providing 31 assists—the highest in Europe—and excelling for Bayern Munich despite a Champions League loss. He also impressed for France, delivering eight World Cup assists, the most of any player. His chances suffered due to France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.

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

6. Kylian Mbappe - Real Madrid & France

Mbappe is closing in on becoming the world's top player, already boasting an incredible goal tally. After a slow start at Real Madrid, he exploded with 42 goals in 44 appearances this season. Despite Real Madrid's trophyless run, his World Cup exploits—scoring 10 goals—kept his Ballon d'Or hopes alive, although Spain's semi-final win dimmed them somewhat.

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