Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings: Yamal and Kane Lead the Race

The Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era seems to be behind us, leaving the Ballon d'Or competition more open than it has been in two decades. Many players now start each season believing they could claim football's most prestigious individual award. Ousmane Dembele, recovering from injury troubles, took home the Golden Ball in 2025 and remained a top contender this year.

The Champions League often heavily influences the Ballon d'Or results, and with Paris Saint-Germain winning their first European Cup thanks in part to Dembele’s contributions, that influence is clear once again. But 2026 also featured a World Cup in North America, which might tip the scales depending on summer performances. The Africa Cup of Nations also plays a role, meaning some players have impressed across multiple major tournaments.

Spain's World Cup victory closed the season and the Ballon d'Or race, as no player could add more to their claims. Our Power Rankings have tracked the leading candidates throughout the year, and here’s our assessment ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26.

Top Contenders

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Finished 2025-26 with 15 goals and six assists. After injuries marred much of his club season, Bellingham’s World Cup was outstanding, scoring seven goals including decisive braces against Mexico and Norway. His efforts helped England reach the semi-finals and may secure him a Ballon d'Or nomination.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter): Scored 30 goals and assisted 10 while winning Serie A and Coppa Italia. Though Inter exited the Champions League early, Martinez netted crucial goals for Argentina at the World Cup, including the semi-final winner versus England. He didn't play in the final as Argentina focused on defense.
David Raya (Arsenal): Recorded 29 clean sheets while securing the Premier League title and a World Cup winner’s medal. Surprisingly Spain’s second-choice keeper at the tournament, he still had an excellent season, earning the Premier League Golden Glove for the third straight year and helping Arsenal reach the Champions League final.
Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain): Despite injuries limiting his season, Ruiz collected numerous trophies—World Cup, Champions League, Ligue 1, and several others. His midfield contributions were key for PSG and Spain, remaining unbeaten in 50 appearances for La Roja and adding a global title after European success in 2024.
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain): Delivered four goals and 18 assists with 21 clean sheets. Hakimi played a pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League win and Morocco’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals. Africa Cup of Nations honors also came his way due to a controversial ruling reversal.

Other Notables

Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad): Achieved a personal best with 32 goals and nine assists, helping his club win the Copa del Rey and Spain the World Cup, where he scored five times.
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid): Bounced back from a tough 2025 with a strong start to 2026, scoring 28 goals and assisting 16. His World Cup showed promise despite Brazil’s last-16 exit.
Declan Rice (Arsenal): Contributed eight goals and 15 assists, instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph and England’s World Cup semi-final run despite injury setbacks.
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain): Added seven goals and 10 assists while winning multiple trophies. Named Player of the Match in the Champions League final, though Portugal underperformed at the World Cup.
Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich): Posted 30 goals and 27 assists, lifting the Bundesliga and other domestic trophies. Delivered key moments for Colombia at the World Cup despite their last-16 elimination.
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona): Emerged as one of the best young defenders during Spain’s World Cup triumph, earning Best Young Player honors after a solid season with Barcelona.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain): Excelled in the Champions League knockout stages with historic goal contributions but missed the World Cup due to Georgia not qualifying.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Despite some dry spells, he scored 58 goals and helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1998.
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain): Injuries limited his impact early on but he returned strongly in the Champions League and scored his first World Cup goals, finishing with six total.
Rodri (Manchester City): Overcame injuries to win the World Cup with Spain and earned Player of the Tournament honors, rejuvenating his Ballon d'Or hopes.
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): Scored 58 goals and grabbed 14 assists despite injury struggles and Real Madrid’s trophy drought. Led the World Cup with 10 goals and claimed a second Golden Boot.
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich): Amassed 26 goals and a remarkable 41 assists, starring for Bayern and France, especially noted for seven assists at the World Cup.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Won the MLS Cup and MVP award, then dazzled at the World Cup with eight goals and four assists, proving age hasn't diminished his talent.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Bookmakers’ favorite to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner, posting 26 goals and 21 assists, plus titles with Barcelona and Spain. Still, questions remain over his impact in key matches and injury issues.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Scored 73 goals and eight assists, winning multiple trophies and shining for England at the World Cup. Despite missing out on a major international title, his all-around excellence keeps him as a prime candidate for the award.