Emerging Contenders for the Ballon d’Or

The era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has seen a shift, with new faces like Ousmane Dembele and Rodri emerging as recent champions. This evolution adds an exciting unpredictability to the annual awards, particularly with the upcoming 2026 World Cup heightening the stakes.

As we approach 2026, and given the trophy is now awarded based on seasonal performance rather than annual achievement, it’s a suitable moment to assess the leading candidates for the prestigious award.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

Kane has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or due to his outstanding performance for Bayern Munich.

The award typically honors players with exceptional contributions across various competitions, including their domestic leagues, the Champions League, and the World Cup. Bayern Munich currently leads the Bundesliga with Kane playing a pivotal role, scoring 19 goals in the league alone while contributing five in European fixtures and another five in the German Cup.

His performance solidifies his position as a prime candidate for the Ballon d’Or if he continues at this level and secures additional trophies. Bayern is a favorite for the Champions League, but a stellar showing for England in the World Cup could dramatically enhance Kane’s chances should his team claim victory.

Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)

Erling Haaland continues to showcase his incredible scoring abilities, solidifying his place among the top contenders for individual accolades.

While he may be perceived as a straightforward goal scorer without the versatility of some peers, his ability to find the net in the highly competitive Premier League is remarkable. So far, he has netted 19 goals in league play, alongside six in the Champions League and an extraordinary 16 during World Cup qualifiers.

Haaland’s contributions have propelled Norway to a surprising place in the World Cup, and a strong performance in the tournament could enhance his Ballon d’Or prospects. However, given Norway’s lower odds of succeeding, he must also achieve significant success with Manchester City to stand out among his competitors.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)

Kylian Mbappe is decidedly another frontrunner, currently notching impressive scores with 18 goals in La Liga and nine in the Champions League, leading both competitions in scoring.

His consistency and leadership have been crucial for Real Madrid, who find themselves in a strong position domestically and are close to progressing in the Champions League knockout rounds. Additionally, as a key player for France, expectations are high for his performance in the World Cup, where a series of impressive displays could put him in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

With a few triumphs and significant scoring milestones, Mbappe could further strengthen his position in the race for the coveted award.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

Lamine Yamal, the promising young talent from Barcelona, is an outside contender for the Ballon d’Or, despite expectations that it may be a bit early in his career.

Recognized as one of the brightest young talents, Yamal has already contributed to 23 goals across club and country this season. Barcelona is at the top of La Liga and is a contender for the Champions League, while Spain seems a strong favorite for the World Cup.

Should he maintain his current form and accrue significant titles, Yamal could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner at just 19. However, a more realistic outcome may likely see him awarded the Kopa Trophy as the best player under 21.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)

Lionel Messi, a seasoned champion with eight Ballon d’Ors already, faces challenges in securing another award as his career progresses.

His performances in Major League Soccer (MLS) during 2026 have been remarkable, earning him accolades as the league’s MVP, top scorer, and leading assister as he helped Inter Miami secure their first championship. However, the comparative level of competition and the distinct timing of the MLS season complicate his chances of clinching another Ballon d’Or.

That said, if Messi can guide Argentina to another World Cup victory, his standing among voters could lead to yet another accolade being bestowed upon him.