With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era appearing to fade into history, the race for the Ballon d'Or is the most open it has been in nearly two decades. A wide array of players now begin each season believing they can lay claim to football’s most prestigious individual award. Ousmane Dembele, who overcame years of injuries and inconsistency to win the Golden Ball in 2025, finds himself among a highly competitive group of contenders once again.

Dembele’s triumph last year came largely thanks to his instrumental role in helping Paris Saint-Germain secure their first-ever European Cup. Once again, the Champions League looks set to have a major influence on the 2026 Ballon d'Or outcome. However, with this being a World Cup year, the eventual winner might not be clear until the summer tournament in North America concludes.

The Africa Cup of Nations will also factor into the voting, allowing some players the chance to shine both for their clubs and their countries in two major competitions during the same campaign.

The Ballon d'Or race is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s worth remembering that Dembele did not emerge as a favourite until midway through the 2024-25 season. Now, with the European season entering its decisive stages, GOAL’s Ballon d'Or Power Rankings continue to monitor the leading contenders for the Golden Ball.

Previous update: April 30, 2026. Players dropping out: Rayan Cherki.

20. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) ⬇️

2025-26: 21 goals, 10 assists.

Julian Alvarez’s season has been one of highs and lows. The Argentine forward began strongly for Atletico Madrid, including a brace in a memorable win over Real Madrid in September. However, just two La Liga goals since that derby have stalled his momentum, seemingly ending his Ballon d'Or ambitions.

His resurgence came during the Champions League knockout rounds, where he scored six goals in eight matches, including a stunning free-kick against Barcelona at Camp Nou. Despite Atleti’s semi-final exit and a loss in the Copa del Rey final, Alvarez’s efforts have kept him in the conversation. He will lead Argentina’s attack at the World Cup, hoping to reignite his chances.

19. Pedri (Barcelona) ⬆️

2025-26: Four goals, 11 assists. Won Supercopa de Espana.

Pedri continues to demonstrate his remarkable control in midfield for Barcelona, even as injuries have again interrupted his season. When fit, few players in La Liga can match his influence. Barcelona remain on course for another domestic title, but their Champions League run ended in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid.

Pedri will be a vital part of Spain’s World Cup campaign, but his Ballon d'Or chances have likely faded after Barcelona’s European elimination.

18. Lautaro Martinez (Inter) ⬆️

2025-26: 24 goals, seven assists. Won Serie A.

Despite Inter’s shocking Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, they have enjoyed another strong domestic campaign, wrapping up the Serie A title before the Coppa Italia final. Lautaro Martinez has once again been their driving force, leading the scoring charts in Italy.

After shining at the 2024 Copa America, Lautaro will look to carry that form into the World Cup as Argentina defend their crown. At 28, he could be primed for a defining moment on the world stage.

17. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) 🆕

2025-26: 13 goals, nine assists.

While Bukayo Saka has endured a mixed season in terms of form and fitness, Arsenal’s push for a Premier League and Champions League double has revived his Ballon d'Or hopes. His goal against Fulham helped reignite the title race, and his strike that sealed Arsenal’s place in the Champions League final in Budapest could prove pivotal.

With England counting on him for the World Cup, Saka’s best performances may still be ahead of him.

16. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) ⬆️

2025-26: 22 goals, 14 assists.

Vinicius Jr struggled throughout 2025, scoring just eight La Liga goals. However, he rediscovered his spark early in 2026, netting four times in six Champions League knockout matches. Despite his resurgence, Real Madrid have failed to collect major silverware, and Brazil’s form remains shaky heading into the World Cup. A Ballon d'Or nomination seems the best he can hope for.

15. Raphinha (Barcelona) ⬆️

2025-26: 19 goals, eight assists. Won Supercopa de Espana.

Raphinha’s fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting was controversial given his outstanding stats. The Brazilian has again impressed, starring in the Supercopa de Espana final and in Champions League clashes with Newcastle before another injury setback. He remains crucial for Brazil, who have improved under Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup.

14. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) ⬆️

2025-26: 11 goals, 23 assists.

Chasing the Premier League single-season assist record, Bruno Fernandes continues to be Manchester United’s creative heartbeat. His performances have sparked calls for him to be named Player of the Year. However, without European football or trophies, his Ballon d'Or chances remain slim unless he shines for Portugal at the World Cup.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) ⬆️

2025-26: 32 goals, six assists.

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age, scoring prolifically for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. With his club back on top of the Pro League and in the final of AFC’s Champions League Two, he could finally secure silverware in the Middle East. Additionally, he will captain Portugal at the World Cup, aiming to add yet another chapter to his legendary career.

12. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) ⬆️

2025-26: 32 goals, 20 assists. Won MLS Cup.

Few expected Lionel Messi to re-enter the Ballon d'Or conversation, but after leading Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup and with Argentina strong favourites for the World Cup, an extraordinary ninth Golden Ball is not impossible. His second-straight MLS MVP award underscores his enduring brilliance as he aims to inspire Argentina once again on home soil in North America.

11. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) ⬆️

2025-26: Four goals, five assists, 27 clean sheets.

Gabriel Magalhaes epitomises Arsenal’s new identity — physically imposing, aggressive, and deadly on set-pieces. The Brazilian defender’s contributions at both ends have been immense. A strong finish to the season and a solid World Cup with Brazil could cement his place among Ballon d'Or nominees.

10. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich) ⬇️

2025-26: 28 goals, 23 assists. Won Bundesliga & DFL-Supercup.

Since his move from Liverpool, Luis Diaz has been electric for Bayern Munich, linking superbly with Harry Kane. His dazzling displays in the Bundesliga and Champions League have caught attention globally. With Colombia eyeing a surprise run at the World Cup, Diaz could yet strengthen his case for the Golden Ball.

9. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) ⬆️

2025-26: Seven goals, 10 assists. Won Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup & FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Vitinha’s rise from a modest loan spell at Wolves to Ballon d'Or podium finisher has been remarkable. The Portuguese midfielder has been central to PSG’s dominance, adding more goals and assists to his orchestrating role. Fresh off a Nations League triumph, he will aim to lead Portugal deep into the World Cup.

8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) ⬇️

2025-26: 49 goals, nine assists. Won Carabao Cup.

Erling Haaland started the season in unstoppable form, spearheading City’s attack. Though his goal rush slowed in early 2026 and City exited the Champions League, he remains lethal. Norway’s qualification for their first World Cup since 1998 gives Haaland a platform to impress voters on the biggest stage.

7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain) ⬆️

2025-26: 21 goals, 10 assists. Won Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup & FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Kvaratskhelia has been the star of the Champions League knockouts, becoming the first player ever to score or assist in seven consecutive knockout games. Despite Georgia missing the World Cup, his performances have been extraordinary, keeping him in the race for a podium finish.

6. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) ⬆️

2025-26: 47 goals, nine assists.

Kylian Mbappe’s dream of finally winning the Ballon d'Or could still come true. The Frenchman carried Real Madrid through much of the season before injury struck. With Madrid’s trophy hopes fading, Mbappe will aim to shine for France, a team he has often inspired at major tournaments.

5. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) ⬇️

2025-26: 22 goals, 32 assists. Won Bundesliga & DFL-Supercup.

Michael Olise has seamlessly adapted to Bayern Munich, delivering exceptional performances in both domestic and European competitions. His standout displays against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals turned heads. Now a regular for France, Olise could be a breakout star at the World Cup.

4. Declan Rice (Arsenal) ⬆️

2025-26: Six goals, 13 assists.

Declan Rice has grown into one of the world’s premier midfielders, instrumental to Arsenal’s push for both Premier League and Champions League glory. His energy, defensive strength, and set-piece precision make him indispensable. With England also looking strong under Thomas Tuchel, Rice could be central to their World Cup ambitions.

3. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain) ⬆️

2025-26: 19 goals, 11 assists. Won Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup & FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

After an injury-hit first half of the season, Dembele has returned to his best form at the perfect time. His decisive performances against Liverpool and Bayern Munich have pushed PSG to the brink of another Champions League triumph. With France sharpening up for the World Cup, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner could mount a late charge to retain his crown.

2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) ⬆️

2025-26: 25 goals, 20 assists. Won Supercopa de Espana.

Still a teenager, Lamine Yamal remains on course to become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history. His brilliance in last season’s Champions League earned him a second-place finish behind Dembele. Despite ending his club season early due to injury, Yamal is expected to return for Spain at the World Cup — where another standout showing could seal the Golden Ball.

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) ↔️

2025-26: 59 goals, seven assists. Won Bundesliga & DFL-Supercup.

Harry Kane continues to silence his critics, proving that his move to Bayern Munich has transformed him into a serial winner. His all-round play and astonishing scoring record have kept him at the top of the Ballon d'Or rankings. With England dreaming of ending their 60-year wait for a major trophy, Kane’s form could define both club and country’s fortunes this summer.