Ballon d’Or 2026 power rankings

Paris Saint-Germain striker Ousmane Dembélé has won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but who will win the famous individual honor in 2026?

With the 2025/26 season well and truly underway, players are starting to make their case for this historic award, and in a World Cup year there could be plenty of twists and turns.

Here are the 20 players best placed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or at present, based on their current form and their respective team’s chances of winning silverware.

Ranking Factors: To help you rank players in order, we have considered the following criteria:

• Current form: a player’s performance over the last few months

• Importance to their teams – how much influence they have on their teams’ performance

• Reputation: what others say about them

10

Michel Olise

Bayern Munich and France

The countdown to the top 10 is started by Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who continued his fine form at the Allianz Arena in his second season.

A regular on the right wing under Vincent Kompany, Olise already has double-digit goals for Munich.

Meanwhile, his national manager Didier Deschamps said Olise “has everything”, while his France and Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano called the striker a “magician”.

9

Declan Rice

Arsenal and England

Now a vital member of club and country, Declan Rice is arguably one of the best midfielders in Europe right now, shining in a slightly more advanced role at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta.

Following his two superb free kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season, Rice has gone from strength to strength and has been praised by England legends David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

8

Raphinha

Barcelona and Brazil

After starring for Barcelona last season, helping them win the double, Raphinha finished 5th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or standings, flying slightly under the radar due to one Lamine Yamal.

However, if Barcelona win silverware again and Raphinha plays in the World Cup with Brazil, he will have every chance of finishing in the top five again.

7

Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid and Brazil

Another Brazilian star, Vinicius Jr, controversially lost to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but he now appears to be returning to his best as he eyes the historic individual award.

On Xabi Alonso’s left wing at the Bernabeu, Vinicius scores regularly for Madrid and was even handed the captain’s armband in a recent Champions League victory.

6

Erling Haaland

Man City and Norway

Jamie Carragher recently called Erling Haaland “the greatest goalscorer of all time in English football”, with his ridiculous start to the season leading to the striker himself saying he was at his best.

Scoring goals for fun with Man City and Norway, Haaland could be set to play in his first World Cup in 2026, which would be his country’s first since 1998.

5

Pedri

Barcelona and Spain

Pulling the strings in Barcelona’s midfield, Pedri is considered the best midfielder at present and will look to improve on his 11th place finish last time out.

The Spaniard has even caught the attention of iconic midfielder Paul Scholes, with the Man Utd legend calling Pedri their “new favorite footballer”.

Hansi Flick also called Pedri a “special” player, adding that he is also “becoming a better leader” for his team.

4

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich and England

Harry Kane continues to do what he does best: score goals regularly. With Bayern Munich, Kane scored a remarkable 17 goals in the German champions’ first nine matches, becoming the fastest player this century to reach 100 goals for a team playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The England captain will also have his eyes on the 2026 World Cup, which could be his last at age 32.

3

Ousmane Dembélé

PSG and France

Could it come back to back? Well, if PSG continues to dominate France and Europe, and Ousmane Dembélé helps his country win the World Cup, there’s every chance.

The striker scored his first goals of the season in late August before a hamstring injury halted his progress.

Yet there is plenty of time for the 28-year-old to return to full fitness and claim another Ballon d’Or.

2

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona and Spain

Lamine Yamal has won the Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d’Or for the past two years, so it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the Barcelona star takes home the big individual honor.

However, Barca are currently trailing Real Madrid in La Liga and have already dropped points in the Champions League group stage.

Yet, if Yamal leads the Catalan giants to silverware and makes his first World Cup, 2026 could be his year.

1

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid and France

As the current favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is leading the way.

The Frenchman has started the 2025/26 campaign in red-hot form in front of goal, with Madrid in good health under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal even called Mbappe “the best in the world”, and given his current form, it’s hard to argue with the Madrid fan.