2026 Ballon d’Or: Top 5 ranking for September [Full List]
The organizers of the Ballon d’Or have announced that the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 edition of the prestigious award will be revealed on September 8. This declaration has sparked significant discussion regarding the players who are likely to be named.
The 2025-2026 season concluded with the World Cup held in North America, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive Ballon d’Or voting races in history. The selection process will include input from a jury comprising the top 100 FIFA-ranked international journalists, who will evaluate individual player performances alongside the achievements of their respective teams.
Leading up to the shortlist announcement, speculation surrounds several standout players.
Lionel Messi ranks fifth on the early favorites list. Although the 39-year-old’s domestic performances in Major League Soccer may not secure him a spot among the contenders, his eight goals during Argentina’s World Cup campaign, despite the team’s loss to Spain in the final, bolster his candidacy.
Kylian Mbappé, at 27, is another strong contender. Despite not yet winning a Ballon d’Or, the forward’s consistent excellence over nearly a decade has placed him in a favorable position. His recent Golden Boot win at the World Cup and his status as the tournament’s all-time top scorer, along with 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid, enhance his chances, even as the club failed to capture major titles.
Third on the list is Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old prospect with the potential to secure multiple Ballon d’Or awards throughout his career. The Barcelona and Spain winger made history as the youngest player to participate in and win both a European Championship and a World Cup final. His contributions helped Barcelona secure another La Liga title, tallying 24 goals and 18 assists.
Harry Kane is positioned second among early favorites, thanks to an impressive season that saw him score 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich. His performance led the club to a domestic league and cup double, and he earned the European Golden Shoe. Although England finished third in the World Cup, Kane’s six goals during the tournament demonstrated his significant impact.
At the top of the list is Rodri, who may very well emerge as the frontrunner for the award. The Spanish midfielder played a pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup victory, serving as both a defensive anchor and a central figure in midfield. His exceptional performance earned him the World Cup Golden Ball, placing him ahead of notable scorers like Mbappé and Messi.
As the September 8 announcement approaches, interest in the 2026 Ballon d’Or contenders continues to grow, reflecting the competitive nature of football at the highest level.
