Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings: Top Contenders Revealed

The 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, giving us a clearer idea of which players might dominate the Ballon d'Or race when the award is presented in London on October 26. Spain emerged victorious over Argentina in the final held at New York New Jersey Stadium, while Lionel Messi, despite an impressive tournament overall, failed to shine in the decisive game at age 39.

Paris Saint-Germain boasts several players in the mix after their Champions League triumph last season, beating Arsenal, who secured their first Premier League title since 2004. The Ballon d'Or this year considers performances from the entire 2025/26 season rather than just a calendar year, marking only the fourth time this method has been used.

Below are the top 20 players ranked by their form, team achievements, and impact during key moments such as the World Cup.

Ranking Criteria

• Goals scored
• Assists
• Clean sheets (for defensive players)
• Trophies won or contested
• Big moments during the 2025/26 season including the World Cup
• Overall form

15. Desire Doue – Paris Saint-Germain & France

The young talent often flies under the radar at PSG and France, surrounded by superstars. At just 21, Doue's status as an elite player seems imminent. He started four World Cup matches for France, contributing one goal and one assist but was overshadowed by teammates like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. Winning the Ballon d'Or this year seems unlikely, but his future looks bright.

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

14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia

The Georgian winger dazzled as PSG lifted both Ligue 1 and the Champions League trophies. Despite this, missing out on the World Cup due to Georgia not qualifying dims his chances for the Ballon d'Or this year.

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

13. Pedri – Barcelona & Spain

While Pedri helped Spain win the World Cup, he may feel slightly disappointed not to have played a more pivotal role, starting only five of Spain's eight matches. Still, a top 10 finish in the Ballon d'Or rankings remains possible.

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

12. Pau Cubarsi – Barcelona & Spain

A standout at the World Cup, winning Best Young Player, Cubarsi is seen as a future top centre-back. Though he had a dream start, reaching the Ballon d'Or podium this year will be challenging.

• Games: 48 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 1 (0 World Cup)
• Assists: 0 (0 World Cup)
• Honours: La Liga, World Cup, Best Young Player

11. Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain & Spain

Ruiz surprised many by starting over Pedri in crucial World Cup matches. With league and Champions League titles at PSG, his World Cup performance was strong, though overshadowed by teammate Rodri in the final.

• Games: 34 (8 World Cup)
• Goals: 2 (1 World Cup)
• Assists: 5 (0 World Cup)
• Honours: Ligue 1, Champions League, World Cup

10. Erling Haaland – Manchester City & Norway

Haaland helped Man City to Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories, scoring vital goals throughout the season. At his World Cup debut, he impressed with multiple goals, though Norway fell in the quarter-finals. His profile skyrocketed, but a Ballon d'Or win this year seems improbable.

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

9. Declan Rice – Arsenal & England

Rice stands out as one of the best midfielders currently, having inspired Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite England’s semi-final loss, Rice contributed in the bronze medal match, though third place was a modest consolation.

• Games: 55 (7 World Cup)
• Goals: 5 (1 World Cup)
• Assists: 11 (2 World Cup)
• Honours: Premier League

8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid & England

Bellingham didn’t win trophies with Real Madrid this season but earned a spot in the top 10 thanks to his remarkable World Cup showing. He set an English record with seven World Cup goals and helped England secure third place.

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

7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich & France

Olise climbed the ranks with his brilliant playmaking for Bayern, topping Europe with 31 assists. He also excelled for France, providing eight World Cup assists, though France’s semi-final loss to Spain hurt his chances.

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

6. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid & France

Mbappe appears destined to become the world’s best footballer. After a slow start at Real Madrid, he exploded with 42 goals in 44 games this season. Despite no trophies with Madrid, his World Cup heroics with 10 goals were impressive, although Spain ended his dreams with a semi-final win.

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