‎Who will win the 2026 Ballon D'or?

[yixichloro2xx]

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‎Date: October 26, 2026
‎Location: London, England
‎Edition: 70th anniversary ceremony (first time hosted in London)
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‎Hello guys ,now that a new season is starting and also the Ballon d'or award is also coming up, I decided to share my top 5 candidates for this year’s award.
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‎I will be providing  their individual statistic, award and achievements for both clubs and National team.
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‎These are my personal picks, and I would love to hear your own opinions and rankings as well.
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‎CANDIDATES

‎-Harry kane (Bayern Munich/England) FW

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‎Major Season stats (2025-2026) + world  cup
‎ 1. Goals -- 69 goals
‎ 2. Assist --- 8 Assists
‎ 3. Goals contributions --77 goals      contributions
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‎ Major  Trophies/awards
1. ‎Bundesliga 🏆
2. ‎DFL-supercup🏆
3. ‎FIFA world cup Bronze medal (3rd place) 🥉
4. ‎European Golden boot
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‎-Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain) FW

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‎Major Season stats (2025-2026) + world cup
‎ 1. Goals -- 25 goals
‎ 2. Assist ---  17 Assists
‎ 3. Goals contributions -- 42 goals contributions
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‎ Major  Trophies/awards
‎  1. Laliga trophy 🏆
‎  2. Spanish super cup  🏆
‎  3. FIFA world cup Champion 🏆
‎  4. La liga player of the season
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‎-kylian Mbappe  (Real Madrid/France) FW

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‎Major Season stats (2025-2026) + world cup
‎  1. Goals -- 54 goals
‎  2. Assist --- 11 Assists
‎  3. Goals contributions --65 goals  contributions
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‎ Major  Trophies/awards
‎  1. La liga top scorer award Pichichi
‎   2. UEFA Champions Golden boot
‎   3. FIFA world cup Golden boot
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‎-Osumane Dembele (PSG/France) FW

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‎Major Season stats (2025-2026) + world cup
‎  1. Goals -- 25 goals
‎   2. Assist --- 15 Assists
‎   3. Goals contributions -- 40 goal       contributions
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‎ Major  Trophies/awards
‎   1. Ligue 1🏆
‎   2. UEFA champions league 🏆
‎   3.  UEFA super cup 🏆
‎   4.  FIFA intercontinental champions 🏆
   5. ‎ Ligue 1 player of the season
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‎-Rodri (Manchester city/Spain) DMF

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‎Major Season stats (2025-2026) + world cup
‎ 1. Goals -- 2 goals
‎ 2. Assist --- 1  Assists
‎ 3. Goals contributions --3 goal       contributions
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‎ Major  Trophies/awards
‎1. FA cup winner 🏆
‎2. EFL cup winner 🏆
‎3. FIFA world cup winner 🏆
‎4. FIFA world cup golden ball (best player of the tournament)
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‎Drop your opinions 👇👇

Well, all the above listed players performed excellently well in their various leagues but unfortunately Mpappe didn't get to the world cup finals and didn't win a major trophy this season but he has scored a lot of goals and won three golden boats awards and also ranked the highest goalscorer in the world cup history for the moment and if he has won a major trophy to me he deserves to be name the Ballon Dior winner but he's out of the discuss now due to not winning a trophy.

Kane and lamine Yamal are in better position to debate for the award because Yamal won the world Cup and other trophies while Kane placed in third place in the world cup so between this two if the Ballon Dior is awarded to any of them it will be a deserving one without bias, Harry Kane would have been at an advantage if he had won the world cup but I see Yamal winning the Ballon Dior because of his world cup trophy.

You made a nice point, if we were to look at these 5 candidates the battle is between Harry kane and Lamine Yamal. Kane showed us one his best performance this season, breaking alot of goal records. Did well in the FIFA world cup till the semi-final, he won 2 titles and medal, but I feel the world cup might give Yamal an advantage over here. Even Yamal didn't really perform well in the world cup, but if we look at his Season at club with Barcelona were Rahphina wasn't really available, Lewandowski wasn't really that good, Yamal really carried Barcelona. The world cup will surely be the winning card here. Harry kane lost the Bundesliga POTY to Olise while Yamal won the POTY in laliga, so Yamal still looks like the favorites here. Mbappe might end up in 3rd position because he didn't win anything in both club and national levels expect goals (golden boot). And one of the Ballon d'or criteria might involve trophies.

[Webutxo]

Honestly, I think people who vote for these guys are so biased and don't really put into consideration all these contributions towards the game.. if really it was going to be based on impact and contributions I would say Mbappe to win it, but because of his attitude they might not give him the votes to land the Ballon d'Or !

What are the odds that old time favourite "Messi" can return it strange things happening in football these days

Young Yamal isn't ready for this one unfortunately, still needs some polishing 

I don't think we can make conclusions about Balon D'or vote if we don't know the criteria they used to make list of contestants. How do you give all credits to Mbape and you forgot Kane. He is one the players that crush his domestic league, he had highest goal like Mbape had in Laliga, Mbape had 15 goals as and become highest goals score in the Champions League while Kane had 14, just 1 goals, the world cup kane had 6 while Mbape had 10, the difference are not much but Mbape did not have any trophy.

Everywhere, the Balon D'or winner is always controversial that's why I don't bother myself on who is going to win and who is going to lose. We don't know what voters are going to use, it's like unanimous decisions and there is nothing you can do about the result, it's best to enjoy who they are going to give the award and go back to your sleep. If they like, they should give it to Yamal, we can't change the decision of the voters.

[sokani]

Yesterday I saw Ronaldo's opinion on this matter and it made me nervous (because I bet on Kane to win and Yamal not to receive the prize), he thinks that Mbappe should win the prize because last season was not dominant for anyone, but Mbappe is the best in an individual sense (he repeats this argument too).
Ronaldo is influential, maybe his opinion will make someone change their vote.

Do you expect Ronaldo to throw his weight behind Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, or any other player? Of course, not. His choice will be Mbappe. Ronaldo is being biased, and I'm not surprised because he's an ex-Real Madrid star. If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much. His opinion won't really matter. Also, I read your initial post where you made a compelling argument why you think Kane will win the Ballon d'Or, and you are indeed spot on.

[puloweh555]

If the choice were based on World Cup trophies, I think Rodry is the deserving winner not Yamal. Rodry performance this season was brilliant, including leading Spain to the World Cup title where he also won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. His chances of winning the award again are high for several other reasons, such as his role as Spain most central player throughout the World Cup.

But if the Ballon d'Or were based on individual success, then I would make Mbappe my favorite to win. He was the top scorer in the last two World Cups and is now the all time top scorer in the World Cup with 22 goals in just three World Cups. Furthermore, he can also be the top scorer in three different competitions in a single season La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup. Even though he won no trophies with Real Madrid last season, his status as the top scorer in the World Cup is more tempting than Rodri as the Spanish captain who had the status of the best player who successfully led Spain to win the World Cup.

[Ashawowo(OS)]

If the choice were based on World Cup trophies, I think Rodry is the deserving winner not Yamal. Rodry performance this season was brilliant, including leading Spain to the World Cup title where he also won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player. His chances of winning the award again are high for several other reasons, such as his role as Spain most central player throughout the World Cup.

I was about dropping this point when I saw yours... Good Points!!. Rodri should be a better contender if it is only cup victories that places the edge, but Rodri had some challenges earlier last season which stalled his club performance, so if they combine club and country performance, Yamal tops him. I'm yet to see how Yamal or Mbappe is more deserving of getting this recognition than Kane. Kane was in super form last season, up until world cup. He has all it takes to win it.

But if the Ballon d'Or were based on individual success, then I would make Mbappe my favorite to win. He was the top scorer in the last two World Cups and is now the all time top scorer in the World Cup with 22 goals in just three World Cups.

Ballon d'Or is given with respect to the current football year, your past records doesn't really count to the points for consideration in giving the award for a current year.

[moneystery]

Of these names, they all have an equally good chance of winning the Ballon d'Or. But my feeling is that Mbappe will win the Ballon d'Or this year. Although he didn't win the World Cup, he was the top scorer at the last World Cup and made a significant contribution to France's performance. He also had 42 goals and 7 assists in all competitions last season. His only weakness was not winning a single major trophy last season, which was quite unfortunate, but considering it from an individual perspective, his case is still incredibly strong to win the Ballon d'Or this time.

[Ayers]

In the past few years, we have seen that being the top scorer is not necessary to win Ballon d'Or.

In 2023/24 season, Haaland was top scorer in premier league. Also , Kane was in great form. If i recall correctly, he was probably able to score 35+ league goals. Even then, Rodri won the Ballon d'or. Because, he was able to win title for Spain and City.

Messi won Ballon d'Or in 2022 /23 season. Because he was able to win world cup. If i am not wrong, Haaland was able to score 50 + goals but could not win the ballon d'Or.

Luka Modrich won Ballon d'or in 2017/18 season. Messi was top scorer in La Liga that season. Modrich probably only scored one goal in La Liga that season . Even then, he was able to win Ballon d'Or because of his excellent performance in world cup and champions league.

So, this season Yamal has won world cup and La Liga. And Mbappe has played well on all platforms but has not won any titles. so, imo, Yamal is probably ahead in the race.

[abaeze]

Mbappe and Yamal are great players, both Dembele too and the likes, but you can't count them all and exclude Harry Kane. He is too good and plays an important role for his club and country. Am sure many of those clubs in Spain will be happy to have him with them. If we go by stats for the 2025-2026 season, then Kane is qualified too to be at the top three, we can't deprive him that. But then, the award isn't just given by one man, let's see who wins it as the end

You are absolutely right, considering his personal achievements and his contribution to the team's success, it would be unfair to leave him out. Especially his Bronze medal in this World Cup, European Golden Boot, total goals and assists, all in all, he has achieved a lot this year.This success will put him ahead in the race for the 2026 Ballon D'or.
Since the award is not given by a single person or institution, nor by three people at once, so according to your opinion let's see who wins in the end.

[Judith87403]

So, this season Yamal has won world cup and La Liga. And Mbappe has played well on all platforms but has not won any titles. so, imo, Yamal is probably ahead in the race.

There are criteria that qualifies a player to win the Balloon d'or which includes personal performance, team overall achievement and the ability to comport oneself in the pitch and off the pitch. From these criterion, Lamine Yamal stands higher chance of winning because he won the La Liga and the world cup and even though he didn't score many goals but his name has been trending in the media during and after the world cup and he hasn't had much controversy on and off the pitch but for Kylian Mbappe, his only achievement is the individual award as La Liga top scorer and the golden boot he won in the world cup. But since the award is being decided by a voting process, it is uncertain which player will emerge victorious but for some personal reasons, i tip Lamine Yamal to win it because last year he was almost close to winning it, this season he should win the crown.

[nelson4lov]

~Snipped

So, this season Yamal has won world cup and La Liga. And Mbappe has played well on all platforms but has not won any titles. so, imo, Yamal is probably ahead in the race.

Ahead of Mbappe yes, but his actual contributions were not as much in the world cup compared to other members of that Spain team. The year Rodri won it, Man city won their first and only UCL title and Rodri played one of the biggest roles that year and if we recall, Rodri was the one that scored the only goal in that game that won City and Pep the UCL. If you think about it, Rodri was the defensive midfielder yet his offensive contribution earned them the UCL. That's the kind of contributions that merits the award. It's the same with Modric the year he won too.

I don't see how Yamal wins it  because he didn't lead Spain to win the world cup.

[Achalugo BTC]

Predicting the Winner of the Ballon D’or is going to be quite difficult, there are so many players who had a good tournament at the World Cup, I don’t really know the Criteria they will be using to choose the winner, is it someone who won the World Cup or the Champions League, this are going to be the factors to use in determining the winner of the Award, Messi, Haaland, Kane, Rodri, Mbappé,  all had a good tournament so it’s going to be difficult to choose on a personal performance because there are many of them with good performances at the World Cup.

You are right, having so many good players makes it difficult for one to predict who will win the Ballon d'Or, as the players are still very active, though they did not win the World Cup. So, we should wait until the Ballon d'Or in order to avoid unnecessary disappointments that might lead one into financial mistake. But, in my own perspective, I'm not rooting for anybody kos I don't want to have any unwanted emotional impulses.

[Nheer]

With no doubt, ahead of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Osman Dembele and Kylian Mbape and other players Lamin Yamal is the most likely player to win the balloon d'or this year.
Even as the Ballon d'Or ranking keep changing, I might not be a Barca or Lamin Yamal fan but with his achievements last season after winning the Laliga, Spanish Super cup and world cup with a brilliant and wonderful performance by the young talent. He is the most favourable to win the award. I'm not sure if he will win it but based on how they've conducted it in the past whenever a world cup is played he's likely to win it. Mbappe performs better overall but no trophy to speak for him. This is just my opinion.

Do you expect Ronaldo to throw his weight behind Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, or any other player? Of course, not. His choice will be Mbappe. Ronaldo is being biased, and I'm not surprised because he's an ex-Real Madrid star. If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much. His opinion won't really matter. Also, I read your initial post where you made a compelling argument why you think Kane will win the Ballon d'Or, and you are indeed spot on.

You're just making it all up and I don't think Ronaldo is being biased at all. The Balon Dor award is supposed to be to award an individual for their outstanding performance throughout the season but it has now been turned into an award based on what is won and mostly whoever wins the world cup stands a higher chance of winning it. Ronaldo didn't say Mbappe is winning it but he deserves it more because he has a better performance overall this season and won more individual awards which show how well he performs.

[Ruttoshi]

You are right, having so many good players makes it difficult for one to predict who will win the Ballon d'Or, as the players are still very active, though they did not win the World Cup. So, we should wait until the Ballon d'Or in order to avoid unnecessary disappointments that might lead one into financial mistake. But, in my own perspective, I'm not rooting for anybody kos I don't want to have any unwanted emotional impulses.

One of them must be better than the rest and will be determined by votes. The player with the highest vote wins it. However, it's always based on your overall performance in all competitions.

Harry Kane is the favorite, I don't know if Yamal wouldn't be a challenge to him because his performance was damn pretty last season and Spain won the world cup.

[Sticky Bomb]

Do you expect Ronaldo to throw his weight behind Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, or any other player? Of course, not. His choice will be Mbappe. Ronaldo is being biased, and I'm not surprised because he's an ex-Real Madrid star. If I were you, I wouldn't worry too much. His opinion won't really matter. Also, I read your initial post where you made a compelling argument why you think Kane will win the Ballon d'Or, and you are indeed spot on.

You're just making it all up and I don't think Ronaldo is being biased at all. The Balon Dor award is supposed to be to award an individual for their outstanding performance throughout the season but it has now been turned into an award based on what is won and mostly whoever wins the world cup stands a higher chance of winning it. Ronaldo didn't say Mbappe is winning it but he deserves it more because he has a better performance overall this season and won more individual awards which show how well he performs.

I am having a very hard time believing that Mbappe's performance last season was better than Kane's. They both did very well but Kane is leading in goals already and has 3 trophies and a bronze Medal from the world cup for considerations. Personally, I consider Ronaldo's prediction wrong if overall performance is being analyzed.

[samadam007]

With no doubt, ahead of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Osman Dembele and Kylian Mbape and other players Lamin Yamal is the most likely player to win the balloon d'or this year.
Even as the Ballon d'Or ranking keep changing, I might not be a Barca or Lamin Yamal fan but with his achievements last season after winning the Laliga, Spanish Super cup and world cup with a brilliant and wonderful performance by the young talent. He is the most favourable to win the award. I'm not sure if he will win it but based on how they've conducted it in the past whenever a world cup is played he's likely to win it. Mbappe performs better overall but no trophy to speak for him. This is just my opinion.

Is Harry kane a joke lol.. bro performed well last season; scored many goals, won major trophies in his club and played well at the World Cup than Yamal.

These are what the voting panel use to decide winner.
It is between the two of them from my calculations because Yamal also did great too for his club last season, but I really want Kane to have it this time. He deserves it

[Decimetre]

With no doubt, ahead of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Osman Dembele and Kylian Mbape and other players Lamin Yamal is the most likely player to win the balloon d'or this year.
Even as the Ballon d'Or ranking keep changing, I might not be a Barca or Lamin Yamal fan but with his achievements last season after winning the Laliga, Spanish Super cup and world cup with a brilliant and wonderful performance by the young talent. He is the most favourable to win the award. I'm not sure if he will win it but based on how they've conducted it in the past whenever a world cup is played he's likely to win it. Mbappe performs better overall but no trophy to speak for him. This is just my opinion.

Is Harry kane a joke lol.. bro performed well last season; scored many goals, won major trophies in his club and played well at the World Cup than Yamal.

These are what the voting panel use to decide winner.
It is between the two of them from my calculations because Yamal also did great too for his club last season, but I really want Kane to have it this time. He deserves it

The Balon d'Or is going to be a very interesting exercise this year because of these performances I'm seeing here. Football fans are beginning to get used to having a Balon d'Or list without Ronaldo and Messi as the leading contenders. I think that Rodri is not a threat in this case so the debate stands between Kane and the rest. Kane had a very wonderful season of which if he had reached the world cup finals we could have assumed that it is done. He won titles and popped goals and he also made it to the world cup third place. Lamine Yamal winning the Laliga player of the season is a plus and also the world cup. If I'm to make the list, it would be Kane, Yamal, Dembele, Mbappe and Rodri.

But the world cup supersedes any other football competition and stands firmly behind Yamal. It's going to be competitive and any one that wins will still be criticised.