Ballon d'Or 2026 Contenders Power Rankings

The 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, giving us a clearer idea of who might top the Ballon d'Or rankings when the award is presented in London on October 26. Spain dominated Argentina in the final held at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Lionel Messi, now 39, unable to influence the game despite an impressive overall tournament.

Paris Saint-Germain will see multiple players vying for the honor after securing last season's Champions League title, edging out Arsenal, who clinched their first Premier League crown since 2004. Unlike past years where the Ballon d'Or was based on calendar year performance, this time the voting reflects the entire season's achievements, including the World Cup.

We ranked the top 20 players most likely to claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or, considering their team success, personal form, and key moments during the 2025/26 season.

Ranking Criteria

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (for defensive players)
• Trophies won or challenged
• Impactful moments in 2025/26, including the World Cup
• Overall form

15. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain & France

Often overshadowed by superstars at both club and country, 21-year-old Desire Doue quietly demonstrated his potential as a future elite player. He started four of France’s World Cup games, scoring once and assisting once, though stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele grabbed the headlines.

• 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 dazzled with PSG, helping them capture Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Missing the World Cup due to Georgia’s failure to qualify dampened his chances for the Ballon d'Or, but his stellar 48 games, 19 goals, and 11 assists tell a compelling story.

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

13. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

Although thrilled with Spain’s World Cup triumph, Pedri likely wished for a bigger role. He featured in all eight matches but started only five, with Fabian Ruiz preferred for the final. A Ballon d'Or win seems unlikely, yet a top 10 finish remains possible.

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

12. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona & Spain

Named Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup, Cubarsi impressed as Spain lifted the trophy. Still under 20, the center-back has immense potential but making the Ballon d'Or podium this year will be tough.

• Games: 48 (8 World Cup)
• 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 crucial World Cup games over Pedri. His contribution helped PSG secure Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles. Despite a strong showing, being overshadowed by teammate Rodri in the final dims his Ballon d'Or hopes.

• 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 win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, scoring important goals throughout. At his World Cup debut, he netted seven goals in five games, becoming a breakout star. Despite his rise, 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 stands out as one of the best midfielders globally, delivering for Arsenal's first Premier League title since 2004. England's semi-final exit at the World Cup was disappointing, though he contributed a goal and assist in the third-place match.

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

8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Bellingham’s season at Real Madrid lacked trophies, but his World Cup performances were inspiring. Scoring seven goals, more than any Englishman before in a single World Cup, and adding an assist, he played a key role in England's third-place finish.

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

7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Olise’s form for Bayern earned him a climb in these rankings. With 31 assists, he is Europe's top playmaker. Though France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals, Olise's eight assists in the tournament highlight his quality.

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

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France

Mbappe appears destined to become one of football's all-time greats. After a slow start at Real Madrid, he exploded with 42 goals in 44 appearances this season. Despite Real Madrid ending the season trophyless, Mbappe scored ten World Cup goals but saw his chances fade after a loss to Spain in the semis.

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