Men's Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings: will there be an English winner for the first time in 25 years?
We assess the standing of the players on the shortlist for the award before the winner is announced in October
TL;DR
- Harry Kane leads the contenders with 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, showcasing exceptional playmaking and hold-up skills.
- Kylian Mbappé is a strong candidate with 40 goals in 42 matches for Real Madrid and a Golden Boot at the World Cup, though team accomplishments might affect his chances.
- Lamine Yamal, despite injuries limiting his World Cup impact, demonstrated consistency for Barcelona with 41 goal contributions in 45 appearances.
- Rodri is recognized for his central role in Spain's World Cup victory and Manchester City's domestic cup wins, drawing comparisons to his 2024 award-winning case.
- Lionel Messi, though still a contender, faces challenges due to Argentina's World Cup final performance and playing outside of Europe's elite clubs.