Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings: Leading Contenders Revealed

The 2026 World Cup has concluded, giving a clearer sense of who might claim the coveted Ballon d'Or when the award is 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 influence the game as much as expected despite an impressive tournament overall.

Paris Saint-Germain players remain strong contenders after securing last season’s Champions League title, overcoming Arsenal, who themselves celebrated their first Premier League championship since 2004. This time, the Ballon d'Or voting considered performances throughout the 2025/26 season, marking only the fourth occasion the award has been based on seasonal rather than calendar year form.

Here are the top 20 players ranked according to goals, assists, defensive records, trophies won or contested, key moments during the season including the World Cup, and overall performance.

Ranking Criteria

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (for defenders and goalkeepers)
• Trophies won or challenged
• Impactful moments during 2025/26, including the 2026 World Cup
• General form

15. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain & France

Often overshadowed by teammates at PSG and in the French national team, the 21-year-old Desire Doue is quietly establishing himself as an elite player. He started four matches at the World Cup, scoring once and assisting once, but was eclipsed by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. While not a contender this year, his future looks promising.

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

14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia

One of football's most thrilling wingers, Kvaratskhelia shone brightly as PSG claimed both Ligue 1 and the Champions League titles. Unfortunately, Georgia’s failure to qualify for the World Cup likely prevents him from contending for the Ballon d'Or this year.

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

13. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

Though Pedri helped Spain to World Cup victory, he played a somewhat limited role, starting only five of eight matches as coach Luis de la Fuente preferred Fabian Ruiz in the final. A Ballon d'Or win seems unlikely, but a place in the top 10 remains possible.

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

12. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona & Spain

The 2026 World Cup’s Best Young Player, Cubarsi impressed as Spain claimed their second world title. Still only 19, he shows promise as one of the best centre-backs ahead, though reaching the Ballon d'Or podium this year will be challenging.

• 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 unexpectedly became a starter for Spain at the World Cup, delivering crucial performances. Alongside winning Ligue 1 and the Champions League with PSG, he was excellent in North America but was overshadowed by teammate Rodri in the final, making a Ballon d'Or win unlikely.

• 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 played key roles in Man City's League Cup and FA Cup wins, scoring decisive goals including one against Arsenal. At his World Cup debut, he scored seven goals, becoming a breakout star and boosting his profile, though Norway exited in the quarter-finals. A Ballon d'Or victory this year seems out of reach.

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

9. Declan Rice – Arsenal & England

Rice is arguably one of the best all-around midfielders and set-piece specialists currently. After inspiring Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004, he hoped to cap it with World Cup glory. England fell to Argentina in the semis; Rice contributed a goal and assist in the 6-4 Bronze Final win over France.

• 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 performance kept him in the top 10 of these rankings. Scoring seven goals, the highest ever by an Englishman in a single World Cup, and adding an assist, he helped England secure third place despite the semi-final loss to Argentina.

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

7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Olise climbed the rankings thanks to his stellar form at Bayern Munich. Despite missing out on Champions League success, his 31 assists made him Europe's top playmaker. He also produced eight assists at the World Cup, the tournament’s highest, though France’s semi-final exit hurt his chances.

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

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France

Mbappe is edging closer to becoming the world’s best footballer. After a slow start at Real Madrid, he finished strong with 42 goals in 44 games this season. Despite Real Madrid’s trophyless year, he scored 10 World Cup goals, including two in the Bronze Final, although Spain's semi-final victory denied him the chance to clinch the Ballon d'Or this year.

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