The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or is unusually open. With the club season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup both completed, several players have a convincing case to succeed Ousmane Dembélé when the award is presented in London on October 26.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?
With the 2025-26 season and the 2026 World Cup now complete, Harry Kane, Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are among the leading contenders for football's biggest individual prize.
There is no clear consensus among the latest rankings, but a group of names has emerged at the front of the race.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has one of the strongest statistical cases. The Bayern Munich striker scored 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season, including 36 goals in the Bundesliga, where he won the European Golden Shoe. He also helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
His main weakness is the World Cup. England did not provide the kind of tournament run that would have strengthened Kane's case, allowing other contenders to close the gap.
Rodri and Lamine Yamal
Rodri dramatically improved his chances in the summer. The Spain midfielder was named the adidas Golden Ball winner after helping his country win the World Cup. FIFA described him as Spain's midfield leader throughout the tournament.
Lamine Yamal also has a major argument. The Barcelona winger became world champion with Spain at just 19 years old, adding another extraordinary achievement to an already remarkable career. He was also runner-up to Dembélé in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting.
Mbappé and Kvaratskhelia
Kylian Mbappé remains firmly in contention. His club season with Real Madrid and his impact for France keep him among the leading candidates, while his World Cup campaign further strengthened his individual résumé.
Another name that has gained momentum is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Paris Saint-Germain forward played a decisive role in the club's Champions League campaign, recording 10 goals and six assists in the competition according to PSG.
Recent rankings have placed different players at the top. The Independent currently has Rodri first and Kane second, while other outlets have Kane or Yamal leading the race.
That lack of consensus reflects just how competitive the 2026 Ballon d'Or race has become.
