This Is How the Ballon d'Or Race Looks
The race for the Ballon d'Or this season is more open than ever. Any decisive performance could shift the voting and alter the chances of the main contenders to take home the award.
Among the favorites are Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Declan Rice, and Michael Olise. All of them have been standout performers throughout the year and, with the World Cup approaching, everything points to the final decision being made this summer in North America.
Harry Kane is having a spectacular season with Bayern. He has already scored 49 goals: 31 in the Bundesliga in 26 matches, 11 in the Champions League in 10 games —including a stunning goal at the Bernabéu in the first leg of the quarterfinals—, six in the German Cup, and one in the Super Cup. Right now, he is probably the most in-form striker in the world.
A great performance at the World Cup with an England side that arrives as a contender could push him over the top. If he does, Kane would become the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. Even without a title, he remains one of the top favorites.
Young Stars and Established Names
For his part, Lamine Yamal has proven he is ready for big things. With Barcelona, he has been decisive: 21 goals and 16 assists, numbers that reflect his importance in a team that leads the league and is still competing in the Champions League.
In addition, the Spain national team is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. If they lift the trophy, Yamal would become the leading candidate for the Ballon d'Or. His impact at both club and international level positions him as one of the biggest revelations in world football.
Kylian Mbappé, although he has lost some ground, remains firmly in the race with Real Madrid. He has recorded 39 goals this season, 14 of them in the Champions League, which confirms his outstanding individual quality. However, the fact that his team is only competing for the Champions League could work against him due to the lack of additional titles.
Still, the World Cup can change everything. France is one of the top favorites and, if they secure their third star, Mbappé would have more than enough arguments to win his first Ballon d'Or. As captain and leader of Didier Deschamps' team, the tournament could be the missing piece.
Dark Horses Who Could Surprise
Declan Rice and Michael Olise face a tougher path, but they are not out of the race. Rice may not have prolific scoring numbers, but his impact on Arsenal is total. With 11 assists and serving as the team’s engine, his candidacy is built on influence, similar to what happened with Rodri.
If Arsenal manages to win the Premier League after 22 years and also lifts the Champions League trophy, Rice could seriously contend, even ahead of Kane, especially if he delivers a strong World Cup.
The case of Michael Olise is also intriguing. He is having a great season with Bayern, where he has registered 29 assists, establishing himself as one of the best playmakers in the game today. If he adds a Champions League title and shines at the World Cup with France, he could fully enter the race and even surpass Kane, competing directly with Mbappé for the award.
The Ballon d'Or has several clear favorites, but as is often the case, the World Cup can tip the balance. This year, more than ever, the award is completely open.
