‎Who will win the 2026 Ballon D'or?

[yixichloro2xx]

Kane still the huge favorite to win the 2026 Ballon D'or at the end of October
73 goals + 8 assists in 65 games for Bayern and England is tough to vote against

Goals isn't the only criteria for a player to win the Ballon d'or. Normally players like  Harry kane and Kylian are expected to score more goals than wingers or midfielders. If you Watch Barcelona last season, Lamine Yamal has the highest chance creation in his team and probably in La liga, because that's what his  role is as winger. Because of that he was able to win the best player of the season over Kylian Mbappe, even though mbappe scored more goals. In the Bundesliga too, the Player of the season was also given to Olise , even though Harry Kane scored over 40 goals. This is why I feel this Ballon d'or will be tight and it's between Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. Another player that I believe would win it, is Rodri due to being the best player in the FIFA world cup tournament, but is still don't think that will increase his chances of winning, he didn't give the type of Performance Messi gave in 2022 WC and also 2026 WC. But everything is in the hands of the Journalists, they are the one who decides the Winner.

[danadc]

Goals isn't the only criteria for a player to win the Ballon d'or. Normally players like  Harry kane and Kylian are expected to score more goals than wingers or midfielders. If you Watch Barcelona last season, Lamine Yamal has the highest chance creation in his team and probably in La liga, because that's what his  role is as winger. Because of that he was able to win the best player of the season over Kylian Mbappe, even though mbappe scored more goals. In the Bundesliga too, the Player of the season was also given to Olise , even though Harry Kane scored over 40 goals. This is why I feel this Ballon d'or will be tight and it's between Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. Another player that I believe would win it, is Rodri due to being the best player in the FIFA world cup tournament, but is still don't think that will increase his chances of winning, he didn't give the type of Performance Messi gave in 2022 WC and also 2026 WC. But everything is in the hands of the Journalists, they are the one who decides the Winner.

If the Ballon d'Or were awarded solely to the player who scores the most goals, it would already be Kilian's. But since it's not, and they consider other things very strange criteria it's possible that Rodri himself could win it again. They shouldn't complicate this award so much; it should go to the player who scores the most goals.

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

[coinlary]

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

Kilian can't wini it unless the judges only give edge because of the golden boot he had in the recent world cup. If they are to consider goals more (because that's  the only way Kilian can enter the picture), then the award should definitely go to Harry Kane.

The only part where Kilian was ahead is  the worldcup, and btw, harry kane also had 5 goals and still compete for the 3rd position. It could have been more interesting if Mbappe go to the Final and eventually won it but he tried.

 

[Africolo]

I remember the last Ballon D'or also sparking debate among football communities and fans, just as you have mentioned, there are qualified players for this title but it is a pity that they couldn't made it to the world Cup or final, while the players qualified for the world Cup final and won may not have enough statistics that may be required in choosing them being the most qualified players, I don't know if Lamine Yamal will be included among the list aside mbappé and Kane.

This is very true, we have more qualify players that are very qualified to be on the list and be nominated for the Ballon D`or but unfortunately they couldn't go to the world cup and from the requirements set for the player who will qualify for the award is someone who has won the world cup trophy because it's a trophy that is very prestige than any other trophies and for that reason I see Lamine Yamal as the favorite to win the Ballon D`or compared to Rodri who just won two trophies, the FA cup and Carabau cup respectively.

Though in my opinion I believe Yamal should be included on the list because he won some couple of trophies and should be on the list, I understand that it's just an opinion we are all making but he deserves to be nominated and even should win the award as well because I have practically look at the list here and those that are qualified didn't win the premier League nor the champions League nor the world as well so you see why I'm saying Lamine Yamal might be the winner.

[sotelorene]

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

Kilian can't wini it unless the judges only give edge because of the golden boot he had in the recent world cup. If they are to consider goals more (because that's  the only way Kilian can enter the picture), then the award should definitely go to Harry Kane.

The only part where Kilian was ahead is  the worldcup, and btw, harry kane also had 5 goals and still compete for the 3rd position. It could have been more interesting if Mbappe go to the Final and eventually won it but he tried.

 

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

[ZeroVinsonN]

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

Kilian can't wini it unless the judges only give edge because of the golden boot he had in the recent world cup. If they are to consider goals more (because that's  the only way Kilian can enter the picture), then the award should definitely go to Harry Kane.

The only part where Kilian was ahead is  the worldcup, and btw, harry kane also had 5 goals and still compete for the 3rd position. It could have been more interesting if Mbappe go to the Final and eventually won it but he tried.

 

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

I'd choose Kane over Yamal because as far as I'm concerned the Ballon d'Or is an individual award and should go to the individual who performed well enough to receive it not the individual whose team or country performed well. The truth is that Yamal performed incredibly well recently but compared to Kane he pales a little, but when you bring in the trophies from the club and the country Yamal will be ahead of Kane.
So is the Ballon d'Or given to the best performing player or to the best performing team?

[LFC_Bitcoin]

Usually when voting is off the back of a World Cup the winner is always a player who starred in winning the World Cup. In that scenario you’d have to say it should be Yamal or maybe Rodri.

For me though, the best player in the world is Kvaratskhelia.

[Rhow]

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

Kilian can't wini it unless the judges only give edge because of the golden boot he had in the recent world cup. If they are to consider goals more (because that's  the only way Kilian can enter the picture), then the award should definitely go to Harry Kane.

The only part where Kilian was ahead is  the worldcup, and btw, harry kane also had 5 goals and still compete for the 3rd position. It could have been more interesting if Mbappe go to the Final and eventually won it but he tried.

 

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

You are right in your argument that Mbappe is a few places behind Kane and Yamal. But there is no room to underestimate Mbappe's potential. You said that Kane has more goals and more trophies than Kylian Mbappe. But you surely know that the Ballon d'Or is not determined by who has more trophies or who has more goals. At the same time, individual performance, his impact on the match, team success and the player's behavior are also looked at. So there is no room to underestimate anyone based on the number of trophies and goals.

[sergiorus]

The candidates are very good if you include Kilian, Harry, and Lamine they are players who performed well. Rodri could be included in that list, it's like you said, it depends on the journalists.

Kilian can't wini it unless the judges only give edge because of the golden boot he had in the recent world cup. If they are to consider goals more (because that's  the only way Kilian can enter the picture), then the award should definitely go to Harry Kane.

The only part where Kilian was ahead is  the worldcup, and btw, harry kane also had 5 goals and still compete for the 3rd position. It could have been more interesting if Mbappe go to the Final and eventually won it but he tried.

 

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

~snip~
So is the Ballon d'Or given to the best performing player or to the best performing team?

Both.

They never give it to players whose teams didn't win anything, no matter how good one's performance was.

However, the reward receiver must be one of those who played a significant part in the team's success.

They tend to be strikers but not necessarily so. As you may remember Virgil van Dijk was #2 in the voting just after Messi in 2019 for helping Liverpool winning the UCL and he's a central defender.

He definitely was the best central defender of the world in that season but he would have never been voted so high in it if Liverpool didn't win the UCL.

[Localhostspeed]

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

Says who? Should we bring 2013 statistics of Ronaldo and compare it with this season. The 2013 Ronaldo won the Balon D'or, he wasn't the Laliga highest goal scorer but Mbape last season was the highest goal score, this guy is the highest goal scorer in the world cup, not just for this season but ultimately highest by history and he is also the golden booth champions league and you are saying he doesn't deserve the Balon D'or, may be some of us here start watching leagues recently.

Mbape deserves it as much as other players. Sometimes, a forward player can deliver and his team will failed to defend which is why they look at such parameters and give the award to players that deserved it. If he doesn't win it, that's fine but it doesn't rule him out as one of the best players out there. I will like to see if they are going to give it to another incase he doesn't win, it should be a deserve person, I will be disappointed if they give it to Yamal.

[lombok]

I'd choose Kane over Yamal because as far as I'm concerned the Ballon d'Or is an individual award and should go to the individual who performed well enough to receive it not the individual whose team or country performed well. The truth is that Yamal performed incredibly well recently but compared to Kane he pales a little, but when you bring in the trophies from the club and the country Yamal will be ahead of Kane.
So is the Ballon d'Or given to the best performing player or to the best performing team?

The best performances should be judged by individual awards depending on the most valuable contribution and productivity in a footballer. Series of goals and assists can be given as a clear sign of how effective a striker is in getting points every week. The one that wins a championship trophy, is evidence that the sum total of of hours of hard work can be the greatest gift to many. This title calls the ideal combination of the personal perfection and champion achievements.

[Finebone]

Usually when voting is off the back of a World Cup the winner is always a player who starred in winning the World Cup. In that scenario you’d have to say it should be Yamal or maybe Rodri.

As things stands, Lionel Messi, mbappé and dembele are the big favourite for the balloon d'or award, and I think that you are right to put Rodri in the mix, but yamal doesn't stand a chance because he wasn't even the best player in that Spanish team.

For me though, the best player in the world is Kvaratskhelia.

Kvaratskhelia is a quality player, but I know that you yourself knows that he will not be given the award because he is not the face of his PSG team that did exceptionally well in the uefa champions league last season. So the only way he can win the Ballon d'Or one day is if moves out of that PSG team he is right now, because he is currently living under the shadows of dembele.

[danadc]

Usually when voting is off the back of a World Cup the winner is always a player who starred in winning the World Cup. In that scenario you’d have to say it should be Yamal or maybe Rodri.

For me though, the best player in the world is Kvaratskhelia.

Yes, that's the most logical thing to do, and therefore a very accurate analysis. I also think they could give it to them, but in terms of performance, I think the best player in the World Cup was Rodri. Lamine is always in the spotlight, waiting for his best plays, but Rodri did a very good job.

I think that having Kvaratskhelia is a great advantage for PSG. I think that if Kvaratskhelia had been at this World Cup with Georgia, it would have been something truly magical.

[ZeroVinsonN]

Both.

They never give it to players whose teams didn't win anything, no matter how good one's performance was.

However, the reward receiver must be one of those who played a significant part in the team's success.

They tend to be strikers but not necessarily so. As you may remember Virgil van Dijk was #2 in the voting just after Messi in 2019 for helping Liverpool winning the UCL and he's a central defender.

He definitely was the best central defender of the world in that season but he would have never been voted so high in it if Liverpool didn't win the UCL.

I understand that, but still the end of the day the individual performance should mean more than the team performance, I'm not saying to give it to a player whose team didn't win anything big but in a situation where two teams with candidates for the Ballon d'Or get to win good trophies the individual performance should be what decides who win the Ballon d'Or and right now Kane is the most likely to win it as far as I'm concerned.

[sergiorus]

Both.

They never give it to players whose teams didn't win anything, no matter how good one's performance was.

However, the reward receiver must be one of those who played a significant part in the team's success.

They tend to be strikers but not necessarily so. As you may remember Virgil van Dijk was #2 in the voting just after Messi in 2019 for helping Liverpool winning the UCL and he's a central defender.

He definitely was the best central defender of the world in that season but he would have never been voted so high in it if Liverpool didn't win the UCL.

I understand that, but still the end of the day the individual performance should mean more than the team performance, I'm not saying to give it to a player whose team didn't win anything big but in a situation where two teams with candidates for the Ballon d'Or get to win good trophies the individual performance should be what decides who win the Ballon d'Or and right now Kane is the most likely to win it as far as I'm concerned.

I see how you feel about this, but Ballon d'Or is just one of many individual awards.

It just got incredibly hyped up in 2010-2016 when it was merged with FIFA best player of the world award and hence became the single most important individual award.

Since 2016 there's a separate world player of the world award by FIFA again and it's just as important as Ballon d'Or yet people still don't talk about it.

It's probably more fair too as for example Lewandowski won it twice and it was well deserved but he was robbed of any Ballon d'Ors even in 2021 when he deserved it more than anyone ever did.

[BluebloodCXVI]

Perhaps the fact that the Ballon D'or ceremony is going to be held in London is a hint that Harry Kane is about to become the next Ballon D'or winner.
I hate that the strikers and attacking midfielders are heavily favorized in such competitions. Kylian Mbappe scored a lot of goals, but I do believe that he doesn't deserve to win the Ballon D'or, since Real Madrid didn't win a trophy in the last season. I agree with other forum members about Ballon D'or being a personal award, but football is a collective sport and a player must contribute to the success of his team first. I'm not saying that Mbappe doesn't contribute to Real Madrid, but he is being criticized for being too greedy and not playing for the team.
My favorites for winning the award are Harry Kane and Rodri. I don't believe that Dembele would win the award for two years in a row.

Ok so just because the ceremony is gonna be taking place in London that now means that Kane is gonna win it? Lmao 🤣
By your logic the next ballon d’or should probably go to whoever hosts the after party lol 😆

Look bro, Kane is 100% an elite player and he definitely deserves all the respect so i’m not gonna take that away from him.

The only place i have an issue with you is your take about Mbappe not deserving to win the Ballon d’or because of Real Madrid trophyless run, IMO that’s a weak argument.

The Ballon d’Or has obviously always been about recognizing who was the best player, not who had the best supporting cast so don’t let us pretend like Mbappe’s season was somehow invalid because his team didn’t lift the silverware, that’s just peak selective memory.

As far as i know, Individual awards are supposed to recognize the individuals performance and it’s very obvious that Mbappe has a very strong case in that aspect; his recent feats have been ridiculously impressive.

And this whole talk of Mbappe being greedy is getting tiring honestly.
Every great goal scorer has been called greedy at one point in time, CR7 is a good example of this but i really don’t blame anybody for saying shit like this, that’s the price of being too good.

Kane definitely has a strong chance, same for Rodri and i feel like Dembele too could still pull it off; i mean it wouldn’t be shocking if he does it again.

[goldkingcoiner]

I am rooting for Harry Kane but there are definitely some strong contenders on your list, OP. So it really is hard to make a single choice but if I had to make one, as I said, Harry Kane would probably be on the top of this list. My thinking is quite simple - he has the most goals and his numbers overall look good. So really, I am more of a number fan than a person/player fan.

Mbappe is a close second but as some people on this thread here already said, the judges will probably vote based on goals.

[Rockstarguy]

You are right dude, Kylian Mbappe doesn't stand a better chance of winning the award the only two players with a higher chance of winning this award is Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal because Harry Kane has a lots of goals and also more trophies than Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal also has a more trophies and some awards than Kylian Mbappe but Mbappe has more goals than Lamine Yamal but in total Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal is ahead.

As for me, I think Lamine Yamal deserves to be the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The reason I believe he deserves it is because his team won the World Cup, and looking at him as an individual player, he deserves it because of how he has been able to develop himself. If they consider general performance in the World Cup, I think he is the best option, and he also deserves it because of the number of trophies he has won.

Harry Kane can also be considered a favorite because of the number of goals he scored at his club and the goals he scored in the World Cup for England.

[BitBakerr1]

I'd choose Kane over Yamal because as far as I'm concerned the Ballon d'Or is an individual award and should go to the individual who performed well enough to receive it not the individual whose team or country performed well. The truth is that Yamal performed incredibly well recently but compared to Kane he pales a little, but when you bring in the trophies from the club and the country Yamal will be ahead of Kane.
So is the Ballon d'Or given to the best performing player or to the best performing team?

The best performances should be judged by individual awards depending on the most valuable contribution and productivity in a footballer. Series of goals and assists can be given as a clear sign of how effective a striker is in getting points every week. The one that wins a championship trophy, is evidence that the sum total of of hours of hard work can be the greatest gift to many. This title calls the ideal combination of the personal perfection and champion achievements.

I think personal achievement should be considered more than winning trophies.
If we should consider individual achievement then the person that deserves the ballon d’Or is Mbappé.
He has been so good in all competition by being the highest goal scorer in all competition he participated.

In the World Cup, Champions League and La Liga he was the highest goal scorer.
I think he should be giving the ballon d’Or because he has done very well and he deserves it. Let’s not look because he did not win any trophy and start saying he did not do very well. If we look into personal achievement he deserves it more.