Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings: Top Contenders After World Cup

The 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, giving us a clearer sense of who might top the Ballon d'Or rankings when the award is handed out in London on October 26. Spain dominated Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, while Lionel Messi, despite an impressive tournament overall, struggled to make a decisive impact at 39 years old.

Paris Saint-Germain will have multiple candidates vying for the award after clinching last season's Champions League, edging out Arsenal, who captured their first Premier League title since 2004.

This year, the Ballon d'Or voting is based on the entire season’s performance, not just calendar year results—a method used only four times before. Our list ranks the top 20 players most likely to win, considering their form and their teams’ success.

Ranking Criteria

Goals scored
Assists
Clean sheets (for defenders)
Trophies won or contested
Key moments during the 2025/26 season, including the 2026 World Cup
Overall form

Players Ranked 15 to 6

15. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain & France)Though overshadowed by stars like Mbappe and Dembele, the 21-year-old midfielder showed glimpses of brilliance during France’s World Cup run, starting four games with one goal and one assist. With Ligue 1 and Champions League titles under his belt, Doue’s rise is just beginning.Stats 2025/26: 41 games (8 World Cup), 13 goals (1 WC), 11 assists (1 WC).
14. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia)A dynamic winger who shined as PSG secured both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Georgia’s absence from the World Cup dampens his Ballon d'Or chances despite 19 goals and 11 assists in 48 games.Stats 2025/26: 48 games, 19 goals, 11 assists.
13. Pedri (Barcelona & Spain)Pedri helped Spain lift the World Cup but played a limited role, starting only five of eight matches. Still, he contributed 12 assists over the season and claimed La Liga glory.Stats 2025/26: 43 games (8 WC), 2 goals, 12 assists.
12. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona & Spain)Named Best Young Player of the World Cup, the young defender was solid throughout Spain’s victorious campaign. At under 20 years old, he already boasts a La Liga title.Stats 2025/26: 48 games (8 WC), 1 goal.
11. Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain & Spain)Surprising many, Ruiz became a key starter for Spain during the World Cup and won both Ligue 1 and Champions League with PSG. Despite overshadowed moments, he impressed with two World Cup goals.Stats 2025/26: 34 games (8 WC), 2 goals (1 WC), 5 assists.
10. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)Haaland had a stellar club season winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, plus an impressive World Cup debut with seven goals. Norway's quarter-final exit limits his Ballon d'Or chances.Stats 2025/26: 52 games (5 WC), 38 goals (7 WC), 9 assists (1 WC).
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)An all-round midfield force, Rice led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in nearly two decades. Despite England falling short of the World Cup final, he contributed goals and assists in their third-place finish.Stats 2025/26: 55 games (7 WC), 5 goals (1 WC), 11 assists (2 WC).
8. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)Though Real Madrid ended trophyless, Bellingham impressed at the World Cup, scoring seven goals and assisting once. His performances kept England competitive deep into the tournament.Stats 2025/26: 40 games (8 WC), 8 goals (7 WC), 5 assists (1 WC).
7. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)Olise’s incredible 31 assists propelled Bayern, complemented by eight World Cup assists for France—the most in the tournament. Yet, France's loss to Spain hurt his award hopes.Stats 2025/26: 52 games (8 WC), 22 goals, 31 assists (8 WC).
6. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & France)Mbappe continues to push boundaries, scoring 42 goals in 44 games this season. Although Real Madrid failed to claim trophies and Spain halted his World Cup run in the semis, his 10 World Cup goals highlight his elite status.Stats 2025/26: 44 games (8 WC), 42 goals (10 WC), 7 assists (4 WC).