With the 2025 Ballon d’Or recently awarded, the football world has immediately turned its attention to the 2026 Ballon d’Or race.
The departure from the Messi-Ronaldo era has created the most open field in nearly two decades, allowing a new generation of stars to establish their credentials.
Unlike previous years, the 2026 award will be heavily influenced not only by club success but also by performance at the 2026 World Cup in North America – just as major tournaments have influenced past winners such as Luka Modric in 2018 or Lionel Messi in 2023.
For now, these rankings are based on early-season form, goal contributions, team success, and overall impact.
Based on the early months of the 2025-26 campaign, a clear hierarchy of contenders is already developing, although the long road ahead means significant movement is inevitable.
Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings – October 2025
| Rank | Player | Club | Key Statistics & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | First European Golden Shoe 22 goals, 14 assists |
| 2 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | 22 goals, 14 assists already for club/country. Needs team trophies |
| 3 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 15 goals in 11 club games; exceptional start. Norway qualifying for World Cup |
| 4 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 3 goals, 5 assists in 7 games. Injury niggles “Vibes-based aura”. |
| 5 | Pedri | Barcelona | Considered best midfielder currently. Scandalous 2025 top-10 omission |
| 6 | Ousmane Dembélé | PSG | 2025 winner (3G, 2A in 5 games). History against repeat winners |
| 7 | Vitinha | PSG | Podium 2025. Key if Portugal wins World Cup |
| 8 | Luis Díaz | Bayern Munich | 7 goals, 4 assists in 12 games. Seamless Bayern transition |
| 9 | Vinicius Jr | Real Madrid | 5 goals, 4 assists in 12 games. Madrid improved under Alonso |
| 10 | Martin Zubimendi | Arsenal | Curveball; Spain’s tempo-setter. Platform with Arsenal/UEFA/Spain |
In-Depth Analysis Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings – Top 3 Contenders
1: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France)
Kylian Mbappe begins the 2026 Ballon d’Or race as a starting forward, having seamlessly transitioned into his role as Real Madrid’s latest Galactico.
The French forward claimed his first European Golden Boot 2025 last season, showcasing his unrivaled scoring prowess this season.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Madrid appear to have developed into a more cohesive unit, with Mbappe expanding his game beyond scoring goals to become a full-fledged attacking threat.
The primary obstacle to Mbappe’s previous Ballon d’Or campaigns has been team silverware rather than individual statistics.
With a functional Madrid team behind him and France always one of the World Cup favourites, Mbappe has the best chance of claiming his first Ballon d’Or.
2: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
Harry Kane has produced what can only be described as a historic start to the 2025-26 campaign, already amassing an incredible 22 goals and 14 assists for club and country.
The England captain has developed into a fully modern forward – not just a penalty box poacher but a creative force who frequently drops deep to influence build-up play.
Kane finally secured the first major silverware of his career with Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title last season, allaying questions about his ability to win trophies.
However, the “Bundesliga tax” – the alleged devaluation of German league achievements – sees his domestic achievements somewhat overlooked, as evidenced by his surprisingly low 13th-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
For Kane to realistically claim the award, he will need to lead Bayern to Champions League glory or England to World Cup success – both distinct possibilities given his current form.
3: Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
Erling Haaland has responded to his disappointing 25th-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or with complete vengeance, scoring 15 goals in just 11 games for Manchester City to start the season.
The Norwegian striker has been particularly dominant in the big games, bulldozing the defences of rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester United.
Unlike previous years, when Norway’s absence from major competitions has damaged their chances, Haaland’s exceptional goalscoring in qualifying has lifted his country into the spotlight for their first World Cup since 1998.
However, the dynamics of the tournament year could ultimately work against Haaland, as history shows how Messi’s 2022 World Cup triumph overshadowed Haaland’s treble-winning campaign with Manchester City.
If Norway can make a splash at the World Cup alongside another major club season, Haaland will be hard to deny.
Notable Challengers & Wildcards
