As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Ballon d’Or race is beginning to take real shape. Club performances during the 2025–26 season, combined with the looming international tournament, will ultimately decide who lifts football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Based on current form, honours, influence, and international prospects, here are the Top 20 contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
20. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal & Brazil)
A surprise inclusion, but one earned through consistency and defensive authority. Gabriel has been central to Arsenal’s solidity and will hope Brazil’s World Cup run elevates his reputation further.
19. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal & England)
Saka remains one of England’s most reliable attackers. While not always the headline-maker, his consistency and importance at both club and international level keep him firmly in the top 20.
18. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)
One of Europe’s brightest young midfielders, Neves has quickly adapted to PSG’s demands. His intelligence, composure, and ball progression could make him a breakout star on the global stage.
17. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan & Argentina)
A proven big-game striker, Lautaro continues to deliver for Inter. His Ballon d’Or hopes hinge on Argentina’s World Cup performance, where he remains a key figure.
16. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea & Argentina)
Enzo Fernández’s influence at Chelsea continues to grow, with the Argentine midfielder emerging as the team’s tempo-setter and emotional leader..
Already a World Cup winner, Enzo will again be central to Argentina’s ambitions in 2026. If Chelsea return to the Champions League and he delivers on the biggest stages, his Ballon d’Or profile could rise sharply.
15. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
A complete midfielder with leadership qualities well beyond his years. Bellingham’s ability to dominate high-pressure matches keeps him among the elite contenders.
14. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid & Brazil)
Brazil’s attacking talisman, Vinícius thrives on the biggest stages. A defining World Cup campaign could catapult him back into the very top tier of the rankings.
13. Victor Osimhen (Galatasarey & Nigeria)
Napoli’s lethal striker and Nigeria’s main goal threat. Osimhen combines pace, power, and clinical finishing, making him one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe. Wining the AFCON could significantly boost his Ballon d’Or credentials.
12. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain & France)
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner remains capable of match-winning moments. While repeating his triumph will be difficult, his explosiveness ensures he stays relevant.
11 Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain & Morocco)
Widely regarded as the best right-back in world football, Hakimi contributes heavily at both ends of the pitch. With Morocco among Africa’s strongest teams and AFCON success possible, his international impact could be decisive.
10. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami & Argentina)
Against all odds, Messi remains in the conversation. His MLS dominance and continued influence for Argentina mean another deep World Cup run could place him back among the elite.
9.Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia)
After his move from Liverpool, Díaz has flourished in Germany. His pace, flair, and big-game performances for Bayern make him one of the most dangerous wide players in Europe heading into his first World Cup.
8. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)
A consistent creative force, Olise’s combination of goals and assists has made him indispensable for Bayern. His growing role for France adds further weight to his candidacy.
7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain & Portugal)
Arguably the best midfielder in the world right now, Vitinha controls matches with authority and intelligence. Portugal’s belief heading into the World Cup could place him firmly on the podium again.
6. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)
Rice has evolved into one of the game’s most complete midfielders. His leadership, defensive dominance, and set-piece threat make him crucial for both Arsenal and England.
5. Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil)
An important attacking outlet for Barcelona, Raphinha’s pace, work rate, and end product make him a useful weapon. A strong World Cup with Brazil could significantly boost his standing.
4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
Still a teenager, yet already among the favourites. Yamal’s creativity, fearlessness, and output put him on course to become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history.
3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)
Mbappé continues to deliver match-winning moments at the highest level. With a World Cup pedigree unlike any other active player, he remains one of the strongest contenders.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)
Back in devastating form, Haaland’s goal numbers are extraordinary. Norway’s qualification for the World Cup gives him the global stage he previously lacked.
1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Finally free of the “no trophies” narrative, Kane is producing at a historic rate. If his club form continues and England go deep in 2026, he could be impossible to deny.
