The spotlight may have only just dimmed on Ousmane Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or triumph, but the relentless pace of football means eyes are already fixed on the next potential winner of the Golden Ball, awarded to the standout performer of the 2025/26 campaign.
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Teams like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain—each off to a flying start—are expected to have key players in the running, especially given the historical weight carried by domestic and European titles in the Ballon d’Or voting. ..Continue Reading
Traditionally judged across a calendar year, the award now—only for the fourth time ever—reflects seasonal performance, making consistency and impact across competitions more vital than ever.
With that framework, here’s a ranked list of 20 players most likely to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or, based on their form and their club’s prospects.
Ranking Criteria
– Goals scored
– Assists
– Clean sheets (for defenders and goalkeepers)
– Trophies won or challenged for
– Defining moments in the 2025/26 season
– Overall form
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10. Rodri
Manchester City & Spain
Rodri’s previous Ballon d’Or win was built on his unmatched influence for both club and country, helping Manchester City secure a fourth straight league title and Spain clinch a historic fourth European crown.
This season, however, City’s form has dipped and Rodri is still working his way 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 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony after learning he wouldn’t win, despite being a strong favorite. Real Madrid’s lack of silverware last season didn’t help his case.
Now, under new management, the team looks revitalized, and Vinicius is once again delivering standout performances.
Vinicius Jr for Real Madrid in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 5
Assists: 4
8. Mohamed Salah
Liverpool & Egypt
With 56 goal contributions in 51 matches last season, Salah continues to be a force in the Premier League. Even at 33 and under a new manager, he remains one of the most consistent performers.
His numbers this season suggest he’s warming up for another explosive run.
Mohamed Salah for Liverpool in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
7. Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid & England
Bellingham’s debut season was phenomenal, leading Real Madrid to major titles and England to a Euro final.
Despite injury setbacks, his attacking output from midfield remains elite, and he’s 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
Though his second and third seasons didn’t match the fireworks of his debut, Haaland still claimed a Golden Boot and has started this campaign in terrifying form.
His recent hat-trick across two big fixtures signals a return to dominance.
Erling Haaland for Man City in 2025/26
Games: 8
Goals: 11
Assists: 1
5. Pedri
Barcelona & Spain
Barcelona’s long search for a true heir to Andres Iniesta may finally be over. Since arriving from Las Palmas in 2019, Pedri has rapidly become one of Spain’s brightest talents.
His influence on the pitch is undeniable, and as manager Hansi Flick recently stated, he can’t be compared to anyone else in his position right 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 was always going to be a challenge for Ousmane Dembele, who reinvented himself after a rocky spell at Barcelona. Yet, based on current form, it’s hard to imagine him falling out of the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Versatile across the attack, the French winger has already delivered with two goals and the same number of assists in Ligue 1.
Ousmane Dembele for PSG in 2025/26
Games: 4
Goals: 2
Assists: 2
3. Harry Kane
Bayern Munich & England
Harry Kane is redefining the modern striker role. Not only does he consistently score, but he also contributes creatively, often dropping deep to orchestrate play.
Already England’s top scorer and second in Premier League history after scoring an incredible 213 times for Tottenham, his legacy is secure.
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 make history. If his current trajectory continues, he could be the one to break that barrier.
His rise has been meteoric, and his performances suggest he’s destined for greatness.
Lamine Yamal for Barcelona in 2025/26
Games: 5
Goals: 2
Assists: 4
1. Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid & France
It seems inevitable that Kylian Mbappe will one day lift the Ballon d’Or. Long seen as the heir to Messi and Ronaldo, he’s now entering his prime with staggering consistency.
After scoring 256 times for Paris Saint-Germain across 305 appearances, he’s hit the ground running at Real Madrid. With 14 goals in ten appearances already this season and a European Golden Shoe from last term, Mbappe is charging toward the summit.
Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid in 2025/26
Games: 10
Goals: 14
Assists: 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 Salah
9. Vinicius Jr
10. Rodri
11. Michael Olise
12. Raphinha
13. Declan Rice
14. Vitinha
15. Virgil van Dijk
16. Lionel Messi
17. Joao Neves
18. Ryan Gravenberch
19. Bukayo Saka
20. Cristiano Ronaldo
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