Teams such as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain-to a flying start is expected to have important players in the running, especially in view of the historical weight supported by domestic and European titles in the Ballon d’Ors. ..Read more
Traditionally assessed for a calendar year, the price now – only for the fourth time ever – replaces seasonal performance, making consistency and impact on competitions more vital than ever.
With that framework here is a ranked list of 20 players who are most likely to claim the Ballon d’Or from 2026, based on their shape and prospects of their club.
Ranking criteria
– Scored goals
– Assists
– clean sheets (for defenders and keepers)
– Trophies won or challenged for
– Define moments in the 2025/26 season
– General form
10. Rodrigues
Manchester City & Spain
Rodri’s previous Ballon d’Or victory was built on his unparalleled influence for both club and country, so Manchester City secures a fourth consecutive league title and Spain retains a historic fourth European crown.
This season, however, the form of City has fallen and Rodri is still working back to full fitness after an ACL injury.
Rodri for Man City in 2025/26
Games: 6
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
9. Vinicius JR
Real Madrid & Brazil
Vinicius JR skipped the Ballon d’Or Ceremony from 2024 after he learned that he would not win, even though he was a strong favorite. Real Madrid’s lack of silverware last season did not help his business.
Now, under new management, the team looks revitalized and Vinicius again delivers striking versions.
Vinicius JR for Real Madrid in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 5
Assists: 4
8. Mohamed wrong
Liverpool & Egypt
With 56 target contributions in 51 matches last season, Salah remains a force in the Premier League. Even at 33 and under a new manager, he remains one of the most consistent artists.
His figures this season suggest that he warms up for a new explosive run.
Mohamed Salah for Liverpool in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
7. Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid & England
The debut season of Bellingham was phenomenal and led Real Madrid to large titles and England to a euro final.
Despite the setbacks of injuries, his attacking output of midfield elite remains, and he is now fit and ready to chase more silverware.
Jude Bellingham for Real Madrid in 2024/25
Games: 5
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
6. Erling Haaland
Manchester City & Norway
Although his second and third seasons did not match the fireworks of his debut, Haaland still claims a golden boot and this campaign has started in terrifying form.
His recent hat trick over two large luminaires means a return to dominance.
Erling Haaland for Man City in 2025/26
Games: 8
Goals: 11
Helps: 1
5. Pedri
Barcelona & Spain
Barcelona’s long search for a real heir of Andres Iniesta can finally be over. Since he arrived from Las Palmas in 2019, Pedri has quickly become one of the smartest talents in Spain.
His influence on the field cannot be denied, and as manager Hansi Flick said recently, he cannot be compared with anyone else in his position now.
Pedri for Barcelona in 2025/26
Games: 9
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
4. Ousmane Dembele
Paris Saint-Germain & France
Matching the heights of his 2024/25 campaign would always be a challenge for Ousmane Dembele, who reinvented himself after a rocky enchantment in Barcelona. But based on the current form, it is difficult to imagine that it falls out of the race for the Ballon d’Or from 2026.
Versatile about the attack, the French winger has already delivered two goals and the same number of assists in Ligue 1.
Ousmane Dembele for PSG in 2025/26
Games: 4
Goals: 2
Assistes: 2
3. Harry Kane
Bayern Munich and England
Harry Kane redefines the modern pointed role again. He not only scores consistently, but he also contributes creatively, and often falls deep to orchestrate the game.
All the top scorer of England and the second in the history of Premier League after scoring an incredible 213 times for Tottenham is safe.
Harry Kane for Bayern Munich in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 18
Assists: 3
2. Lamine Yamal
Barcelona & Spain
No teenager has ever won the Ballon d’Or, but Lamine Yamal still has time to write history. If his current process continues, he could be the one who breaks that barrier.
His turnout has been meteoric and his versions suggest that he is intended for quantity.
Lamine Yamal for Barcelona in 2025/26
Games: 5
Goals: 2
Assists: 4
1. Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid & France
It seems inevitable that in a day Kylian Mbappe will lift the balloon d’Or. Seen for a long time as the heir of Messi and Ronaldo, he now comes in his Prime with astonishing consistency.
After having scored 256 times for Paris Saint-Germain during 305 performances, he hit the ground in Real Madrid. With 14 goals in ten performances already this season and a European Golden Shoe from the last term, Mbappe is counting towards the top.
Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 14
Assistes: 2
Ballon d’Or Power Rankings: Full Top 20
1. Kylian Mbappe
2. Lamine Yamal
3. Harry Kane
4. Ousmane Dembele
5. Pedri
6. Erling Haaland
7. Jude Bellingham
8. Mohamed wrong
9. Vinicius JR
10. Rodrigues
11. Michael Olise
12. Raphinha
13. Declan Rice
14. Vitinha
15. Virgil van Dijk
16. Lionel Messi
17. Joao Neves
18. Ryan Gravenberch
19.
20. Cristiano Ronaldo
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