Top 5 Favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 Ballon d'Or race is shaping up to be one of the most closely contested in recent years, with several of football's biggest stars making strong cases for the prestigious individual award.

The nominees have been announced ahead of the ceremony on October 26, 2026, which will be held in London for the first time rather than the traditional venue of Paris. The ceremony will also mark the 70th anniversary of the Ballon d'Or and honor the legacy of its first winner, Sir Stanley Matthews.

The award considers performances from August 2025 through July 2026, with particular emphasis on players' impact in important matches.

Top 5 Favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or

Football Muse, as cited by Yahoo Sports, identified Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia among the leading contenders. SB Nation, also cited by Yahoo Sports, highlighted Kane, Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain's stars as the leading candidates.

Based on their performances for club and country, these are five players at the center of the 2026 Ballon d'Or race.

1. Harry Kane

Harry Kane enters the race with arguably the strongest statistical case. The Bayern Munich striker scored 61 goals in 51 appearances during the 2025/26 season and helped the German club win the domestic double.

According to SB Nation, Kane also scored six goals and provided one assist for England at the 2026 World Cup, where the Three Lions reached the semifinals before losing to Argentina.

The 32-year-old is attempting to become the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the Ballon d'Or.

Football Muse, as cited by Yahoo Sports, also considers Kane one of the leading favorites. His combination of goals, domestic success and his contribution to England's World Cup run gives him a compelling case.

SB Nation noted that Kane's biggest question may be how voters weigh his domestic scoring numbers against his performances in the Champions League and World Cup.

2. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe remains one of the strongest challengers after another prolific season for Real Madrid and France.

The France captain scored 60 goals and provided 13 assists across club and international football during the period considered for the award, according to SB Nation. His 73 goal contributions put him firmly in contention.

Mbappe also strengthened his international credentials at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the tournament's all-time leading scorer.

Football Muse, as cited by Yahoo Sports, reported that Mbappe has openly expressed his belief that he deserves to win this year's award.

While his statistical output was slightly below Kane's according to SB Nation's comparison, Mbappe remains a major contender because of his performances for both Real Madrid and France.

3. Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal. Shutterstock

Lamine Yamal is another leading candidate after another standout season with Barcelona and Spain.

The young Spanish forward is among the 30 nominees and is considered by SB Nation to be one of Kane's main competitors for the award.

Yamal's continued impact at club and international level has kept him in the conversation despite his age, making him one of the most prominent young players in world football.

His nomination also highlights the changing landscape of the Ballon d'Or, which in recent years has moved beyond the long-standing dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

4. Rodri

Spanish midfielder and captain Rodri lifts the Adidas Golden Ball trophy as the best player of the 2026 World Cup after leading his country to become world champions by defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York Stadium in New Jersey, United States, July 19, 2026. Antara/Michael Teguh Adiputra Siahaan

Rodri is attempting to win the Ballon d'Or for a second time after his triumph in 2024.

Football Muse, as cited by Yahoo Sports, listed the Manchester City midfielder among the leading contenders after he captained Spain to World Cup glory and was named Player of the Tournament.

Rodri's ability to influence matches from midfield gives him a different profile from the attacking players dominating much of the shortlist. A second Ballon d'Or would also make him the latest player to establish himself as a repeat winner in the post-Messi and Ronaldo era.

5. Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele. Shutterstock

5. Ousmane Dembélé

Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League success has placed both Ousmane Dembele in the Ballon d'Or conversation.

Ousmane Dembélé remains one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure Champions League success. His performances in key matches could carry significant weight with voters, particularly as the award considers a player’s impact on the biggest stages.

Dembélé is competing against the likes of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the individual prize. His case will ultimately depend on how voters weigh his European success against the achievements and statistics of his main rivals.

The 2026 Ballon d'Or Ceremony

The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on October 26 in London, marking the award's 70th anniversary.

The event will feature awards including the Men's and Women's Ballon d'Or, Kopa Trophy for the best young player, Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper, Manager of the Year and Club of the Year.

The men's shortlist contains 30 nominees, including Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Vinicius Junior and Vitinha.

With Kane's remarkable scoring record, Mbappe's international achievements, Yamal's continued rise, Rodri's World Cup success and PSG's European dominance all competing for attention, the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner remains difficult to predict.

Read: Lamine Yamal Leads 2026 Ballon d'Or Top Young Player Nominees

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