The Favourites to Win the Ballon d’Or 2026 – Ranked
The 2025/26 season may only be in its early stages, but the debate over who will win the Ballon d’Or 2026 is already heating up. Football’s most prestigious individual honour always generates anticipation, and this year’s competition looks set to be one of the fiercest yet.
With elite players delivering standout performances across domestic leagues, the Champions League, and international fixtures, the Ballon d’Or 2026 contenders are already separating themselves from the rest.
The excitement around the award comes not only from established stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé but also from a new wave like Lamine Yamal, who are proving that they belong among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
Summer signings such as Joao Pedro and Hugo have also added fresh intrigue, settling quickly into new clubs and showing their ability to influence big matches.
In ranking the top candidates, we’ve considered crucial factors: individual statistics, consistency, international impact, and decisive performances on the biggest stages. These elements, along with potential trophy success, will determine who stands out as the best player in the world this season.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Since arriving at the Etihad in the summer of 2022/23, Erling Haaland has been breaking records upon records, and this season he has not stopped delivering at the highest level for both club and country.
He has scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist for Manchester City in the Premier League this season, and also reached 50 Champions League goals in just 49 appearances. For Norway, his 8 goal contributions in the last two national team games pushed them ahead of top countries like Italy in their World Cup qualification campaign.
If the Ballon d’Or ceremony were to happen today, Erling Haaland would be the clear favourite to win it.
2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane is a striker who can score in any environment. He was quick to adapt to the Bundesliga’s style of play and has been doing his role perfectly once again in the 2025/26 season.
Kane has scored 13 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, making him a very strong contender and a close favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
3. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
His first season at Real Madrid already made him a strong contender in the Ballon d’Or race, and this season he has started in top form.
Mbappé has scored 7 goals in just 6 appearances for Real Madrid across La Liga and the Champions League. He also finished as the top scorer in the league last season and is currently leading the charts again, making him one of the top favourites to win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
4. Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri is a young midfielder who continues to make football enjoyable beyond just statistical data. His creativity and composure on the ball stand out in every game.
So far this season, he has created 13 chances, scored 1 goal, delivered 13 key passes, and maintained an impressive 91% pass accuracy. Those numbers prove why he belongs among the contenders.
5. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Michael Olise’s calm and elegant playing style has earned him the nickname “Mr Nonchalant.” With his dribbling, pace, and shooting ability, Olise has become one of Bayern’s most exciting signings.
He has already scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist this season, putting himself in the conversation as a strong Ballon d’Or 2026 contender.
6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Before sustaining an injury in mid-September, Lamine Yamal had already made a huge impact for both club and country.
The 18-year-old has registered 2 goals and 5 assists this season across all competitions. With his dribbling, passing, pace, and shooting, Yamal has established himself as one of the best young players in the world and a close favourite to win the Ballon d’Or 2026.
7. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
The winner of the last Ballon d’Or has continued his fine form this season with Paris Saint-Germain, proving his consistency at the highest level.
Dembélé has already scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in just 4 appearances this campaign. His form keeps him among the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or 2026, with the possibility of lifting the trophy for a second consecutive year.
8. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Without Vitinha, PSG would not be as well-oiled as they are today. His influence in midfield is vital, as he helps transition play from the back through to the attack while maintaining control of possession.
This season, Vitinha has already contributed to 4 goals in 6 appearances, making him one of the underappreciated but very deserving names in the Ballon d’Or discussion.
9. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk remains one of the few defenders consistently considered a Ballon d’Or favourite, even during the Messi vs Ronaldo era. His dominance in defence this season is a reminder of his unique quality.
He currently has the best aerial duel success rate in the Premier League, with 11 recoveries, 6 interceptions, and 34 duels won. Those defensive stats highlight why he deserves a place among the top 10 contenders for the Ballon d’Or 2026.
10. João Pedro (Chelsea)
João Pedro has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, providing end product when his team needed it most.
He has already scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in the Premier League, helping Chelsea climb into Champions League qualification spots. While an outsider, Pedro has earned recognition as one of the surprise names in this year’s Ballon d’Or conversation.
Notable Mentions
11. Raphinha
12. Mohamed Salah
13. Liverpool
14.Hugo Ekitike
15. Nico Williams
