Ballon d'Or 2027 Power Rankings: Yamal and Mbappe Lead Challenge to Kane's Reign

The competition for the 2027 Ballon d'Or is heating up, with many top players aiming to unseat the 2026 winner Harry Kane. The race has been underway for three months already, focusing largely on club performances since no major international tournaments are scheduled this year.

With no repeat winner since 2021, Kane faces fierce rivals determined to claim the trophy. Our Power Rankings track the contenders making early moves toward the 2027 Golden Ball.

10. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)

• 2026-27 stats: Four goals, six assists.
• Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner.

Dembele, the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, remains a top contender after finishing in the top 10 last year. Despite an injury sidelining him currently, he’s expected back in time to influence PSG’s push, especially following the season-ending injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

• 2026-27 stats: One goal, four assists.
• Trophies: Community Shield winner.

Rice was Arsenal’s highest-ranked player at 15th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or despite their Premier League title and Champions League final appearance. His standout performance against Bayern Munich hints at potential for greater individual acclaim this year.

8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

• 2026-27 stats: 16 goals.

Amid Manchester City's off-field financial troubles and looming penalties, Haaland continues to score prolifically. Should domestic challenges arise, City might prioritize the Champions League, boosting Haaland’s chances for European success and Ballon d'Or consideration.

7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

• 2026-27 stats: Four goals, one assist.
• Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner.

Vitinha has set the bar for central midfielders with vital contributions in PSG’s back-to-back Champions League wins. His spectacular goals against Man City and Barcelona reinforce his status as a leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or podium again.

6. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

• 2026-27 stats: 14 goals, eight assists.
• Trophies: DFL-Supercup winner.

Olise’s rise at Bayern Munich surprised some after a 9th place finish in 2026, but he shows no signs of slowing. As a key playmaker, he is likely to maintain or improve his standing among the elite over the coming years.

5. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)

• 2026-27 stats: Five goals, six assists.
• Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner.

Doue rebounded strongly after missing the 2026 shortlist. His impressive displays against Man City and Barcelona, combined with Kvaratskhelia’s absence, position him as a crucial figure for PSG during knockout stages.

4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

• 2026-27 stats: 16 goals, nine assists.
• Trophies: DFL-Supercup winner.

Kane, the deserved 2026 Ballon d'Or winner, remains in peak form at 33. His all-around brilliance, especially shown against Arsenal in the Champions League, keeps him in strong contention to become the first back-to-back winner since Lionel Messi in 2021.

3. Raphinha (Barcelona)

• 2026-27 stats: 16 goals, four assists.

After being controversially left off the 2026 shortlist, Raphinha has responded by thriving in a central striker role for Barcelona. His impact in La Liga and the Champions League makes him a likely contender for the 2027 award.

2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

• 2026-27 stats: 15 goals, three assists.

Despite being tipped as a future Ballon d'Or winner for years, Mbappe still awaits his first. He came closest in 2026, finishing second to Kane. His recent brace in El Clasico suggests he’s finding his rhythm with Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho.

1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

• 2026-27 stats: 12 goals, seven assists.

The young Barcelona winger, not yet 20, has already stood on the Ballon d'Or podium twice. With dazzling dribbling and quick feet that trouble defenders regularly, Yamal is the bookmakers’ favorite to win the 2027 prize and could claim multiple Golden Balls in the future.