Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: Top 10 Ballon d’Or 2026 Contenders

The dust has settled on the glitz & glamour of the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Ousmane Dembele won the football's top individual award, thanks to a season in which he fired PSG to a quadruple, but most importantly, their maiden European crown. As we know, football is a sport that never stands still, as something new, extraordinary, or iconic keeps on happening at times, both on, & off the pitch. Thus, it's not surprising that football fanatics around the world have already shifted their focus to the 2026 Ballon d'Or power rankings.

Will it be any of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? After all, 2026 is also a World Cup year, and in that showpiece of an event, anything can happen. However, it will make more sense to ponder rationally and place your bets on stars who are making waves across top leagues with their on-pitch exploits. We are again coming up with the Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings to help you determine the possible nominees for next year's prize based on ranking factors focused on the 2025-26 season form across all competitions.

Ballon d'or Power Rankings (Top 10 List)

The table given below showcases the possible Ballon d Or power rankings 2026, based on players' current performance in all competitions to an extent, and fan sentiments. And last but not least, the performance the players might be showing in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the summer.

Criteria Behind Ballon d or Power Rankings

We have provided a detailed explanation of the ranking criteria used for listing the 2026 Ballon d'Or power rankings. These factors evaluate players based on below given ranking criteria, such as goals, assists, overall form, stats and their impact on the team's performance during the ongoing 2025-26 season. Also, since the 2026 FIFA World Cup is only a few months away, we haven't mentioned it much in the content at present; But we have considered it as a ranking factor, as the performance of the listed players during this mega showpiece of an event will also influence the 2026 Ballon d Or power listing significantly.

• Overall Form: Overall form is the main ranking criterion in this article; a player's overall form for his club and country throughout the season has played a key role in Ballon d or power rankings.
• Goals + Assists: Typically, for most of the footballing history, the Ballon d'Or has been awarded to the goal scorers. Thus, it's no surprise that goals and assists are crucial factors in deciding who is going to steal the limelight and take the French accolade home.
• Expected Performance in the 2026 World Cup: Although the biggest event in football is still a few months away, for some players, their outing with their respective national teams will become a major factor in deciding their fate concerning next year's Ballon d'Or.

Note: All stats are taken from reliable sources like Sportsdunia, Transfermrkt, and Opta Analyst. Also to be noted, stats in the individual table are carried from league + UCL.

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: Possible Top 10 Contenders Revealed

Now that we have already listed and explained the factors for finalising the Ballon d'Or power rankings and top 10 nominees from the current season. Let's explore in detail why these players deserve to be on the list who are capable of winning the highly coveted individual honour in football.

10. Pedri (FC Barcelona | La Liga)

Since suffering a few injuries and setbacks after his debut season, Spanish midfielder Pedri has quickly established himself as the undisputed starter in his position at Barcelona. It's crazy indeed that after making over 200 appearances for the Blaugrana, he is only 23 at the moment. Despite proving himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga, he could only finish 11th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala. Though his end product is always questioned, that is not what defines his game.

It's his defence-piercing passes, circulating the ball in the middle of the park, along with shot-creating actions, and progressive carries that keep the engine running in the midfield. Given that the next year is the World Cup year, Pedri, who has been a key player in the Spanish National football team, will get the opportunity to climb up the rankings. Still only 23 years old, it goes without saying that he is a top name in Ballon d Or power rankings.

9. Raphinha (FC Barcelona | La Liga)

FC Barcelona completed a domestic treble & reached the UCL semi-finals in the 2024-25 season. Brazilian sensation Raphinha had a career-best campaign as he scored a whopping 34 goals & provided 26 assists in all competitions. Raphinha is currently one of the best wingers in the world, terrorising defences with his darting runs, pace, trickery & some degree of samba flair. So, there is not much to explain why he was declared one of the running candidates for the Ballon d'Or award.

His importance in the Blaugrana and Brazil reveals why he has been included in the list. Though the winger did not start the 2025-26 season quite well due to a hamstring injury, but fought back strongly with over 10 goals in all competitions. This season, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has deployed him across multiple attacking positions, which is a stark contrast to the previous season. After his return from injury, he has been performing well in the second half of the season, which will be a key determinant in terms of his Ballon d'Or hopes.

8. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid | La Liga)

After his infamous refusal to attend the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, the Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior has to wait even longer, largely due to Real Madrid having a trophyless 2024-25 season, eventually finishing 16th in the recently held 2025 Ballon d'Or. Hence, it was quite clear that to increase his chances of winning, his performance must exceed the last couple of seasons in the current campaign. And guess what? He has responded well in the 2025-26 season.

In the ongoing 2025-26 season, the left winger has already scored 12 goals & created 11 goals in all competitions. Los Blancos enjoyed a great start to the season under the ex-Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso; however, he encountered numerous challenges on their way. Impressively, Vini has also improved the defensive aspects of his game, stepping up with game-defining performances to increase his chances of Ballon d'Or 2026. Based on current performance, Vinicius is one of the top contenders in our Ballon d Or power rankings.

7. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG | Ligue 1)

After being crowned the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, PSG star Ousmane Dembele understandably had an emotional moment. Now that we are moving forward, it's natural that Dembele will desire to become the first player, not named Ronaldo or Messi, to win back-to-back Ballon d'Ors. The 28-year-old Frenchman had already started the season well with 4 goal contributions in as many matches, regardless of several injury woes disrupting his current campaign. The Frenchman has secured a place in the Ballon d'Or power rankings.

Regarded as one of the best right wingers in the world currently, he needs to make himself a favourite in retaining the Golden Ball. Delivering a world-class performance for France in the 2026 World Cup is crucial. Should Dembouz once again end up having a strong season with French giants Paris Saint-Germain and afterwards, lead the Les Blues to World Cup glory, he will likely have a strong foothold to retain the most coveted individual football award. The Globe Soccer award and FIFA Best accolade must have boosted his motivation to deliver another spectacular season.

6. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona | La Liga)

In the rich history of Ballon d'Or, there has never been a teenager to win the accolade. Hence, anticipation is high for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who came close to winning it last year. If he continues his mind-boggling upwards trajectory, not only will he be the favourite to win the Golden Ball in 2026, but he will also be vying for the top prize for years to come. But the lingering question is….Will he win it in 2026?. Since the age of 15, Yamal has been carrying Barcelona on his back. He led his country to the 2024 Euros glory at just 16 years old.

He himself has said to believe in the phrase, “If you're good enough, you're old enough." Yamal has already broken several records in the game and is one of the best footballers in the world. He has started this season strongly, but injuries so far have ruled him out for a few weeks. But mark his return in a fashion, he will be back to his goalscoring exploits. If he manages to lead Barca to La Liga & as well as UCL glory, and lead Spain to glory in the World Cup, it will be impossible to ignore him for the Ballon d'Or.

5. Vitinha (PSG | Ligue 1)

If you had asked us before the 2024-25 campaign, only a few of us would have expected to see Portuguese midfielder Vitinha finish 3rd in the official Ballon d'Or rankings. He proved everyone wrong by delivering an exceptional performance. Since only 5 midfielders have won this prestigious award in the entire history, it's always a big deal to see a midfielder placed Ballon d'Or race. He played a pivotal role in PSG winning all the domestic trophies and the Champions League. He was also instrumental in Portugal winning the UEFA Nations League, having performed exceptionally in the current season.

His consistent performances justify him being called one of the best midfielders in the world. If he maintains this level of form till the end of the campaign, it will indeed make sense to see his name among the top 10 Ballon d'Or contenders next year. The ex-Wolves player Vitinha has been doing extremely well with 16 goal contributions in over 35 appearances across all competitions for the Parisians. One of the most defining traits of Vitinha's game is his ability to relentlessly circulate the ball in the opposition half & create attacking opportunities from it.

4. Declan Rice (Arsenal | Premier League)

A total of 19 goal contributions in a staggering 52 appearances during the 2024-25 season once again proves why English midfield star Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and the world. Sensing Rice's remarkable potential, Arsenal broke the bank to secure Rice on a record £105 million transfer move from one corner of the city to another, from West Ham United in 2023. Since then, he has swiftly become one of the most trusted names for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

At the moment, Rice has been widely considered as one of the best players in the English Premier League. Over the years, his presence in the midfield has benefited both the Gunners and the England national football team. The 27-year-old midfielder has consistently impressive numbers in North London, boosting Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles in the ongoing season. The English international has more than 14 goal involvements after playing over 38 matches in this term.

3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City | Premier League)

The Norwegian goal-machine Erling Haaland has always been among the top entrants in the Ballon d'Or race. Despite bagging 45 goals & assists in all competitions last season, Haaland's campaign was considered a downgrade compared to the 2023-24 season. However, to no one's surprise, he is playing like his usual juggernaut self. On top of that, his Norway national team secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after years of misses. The highlight of their qualification campaign was his 5 goals in a record-breaking 11-1 victory over Moldova.

We think it would not be wrong to say that Haaland has the traits of the real-life Viking & robot. The way he ran past some of the best Premier League defenders, giving them run for their money, is phenomenal. This term, he is already showing that last season was just a blip, as this time he is going all-out. With 29 goals already in just 38 outings in all competitions, Erling has been deservedly placed 3rd in our list of power rankings. Pep somehow has made his new signings-infused team click, eventually shooting up Haaland's chance to win the top-most individual accolade.

2. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid | La Liga)

After an underwhelming season by his lofty standards, French star Kylian Mbappe has already been seen as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d'Or next term. The Los Blancos forward, since his teenage days, has been touted as the future successor to Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo. Now in his mid-20s, he is one of the best footballers on the planet & has been racking up an insane amount of goals season-on-season. He is seemingly aiming for his second European Golden Boot and Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings.

The Los Blancos forward is counted among the best strikers in the world, displaying his hunger for goals. Mbappe has found the back of the net 38 times in just 33 appearances across all competitions. After winning the European Golden Shoe last time, he will be determined to clinch his first major trophy as a Los Blancos player. Apart from leading Los Blancos to glory, if he manages to lead the France national football team to another FIFA World Cup triumph will increase his chances to win the award.

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich | Bundesliga)

One of the best strikers in the world right now, English centre forward Harry Kane, amassed 41 goals & 14 assists in all competitions as he finally ended his long wait for a major trophy by winning the 2024-25 Bundesliga. What separates Kane from other strikers is the fact that, just like goals, he can also provide assists in double digits, as we have clearly seen time after time how he stretches the opposition's defence with his link-up play. He has lit up the Bundesliga with his goalscoring exploits since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur, after establishing himself as one of the best EPL strikers of all time.

Kane has started the 2025-26 season with a bang already, with a staggering 43 goals & 5 assists in just 36 appearances in total. Out of these 30 goals, 9 have come from hattricks, scored against RB Leipzig, TSG Hoffenheim & Stuttgart respectively. We have placed Kane at 3rd in our Ballon d'Or power rankings. But if Bayern maintain this scintillating form, manage to have a deep UCL run, & Kane manages to lead from the front & make England perform better in the 2026 World Cup, his chances of being the 1st Englishman to win Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001 can't be ruled out.