With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d’Or hasn’t felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Dembele largely secured the award off the back of his performances in helping Paris Saint-Germain win their first European Cup, and the Champions League is yet again likely to have a big say on the Ballon d’Or battle this time around. However, it’s also a World Cup year, so there is a chance that the eventual winner doesn’t become clear until after this summer’s tournament in North America.
Don’t forget, too, that the Africa Cup of Nations will also be taken into account, meaning there could be some players who not only shine for their clubs but also impress at two major tournaments over the course of the campaign.
The Ballon d’Or race is a marathon not a sprint, but with the European season having reached its denouement after PSG defended their European crown in Budapest and with the World Cup kick-off just hours away, GOAL‘s Ballon d’Or Power Rankings continue to track the likeliest winners of the Golden Ball ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26…
Previous update: May 31, 2026.
