The organisers of the Ballon d’Or have confirmed that the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 edition of the prestigious award will be unveiled on September 8, setting the stage for intense speculation over the players who will make the final cut. The 2025/26 season concluded with the 2026 FIFA……
The organisers of the Ballon d’Or have confirmed that the official 30-man shortlist for the 2026 edition of the prestigious award will be unveiled on September 8, setting the stage for intense speculation over the players who will make the final cut.
The 2025/26 season concluded with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, adding another major international tournament to the equation and potentially making this year’s voting one of the most closely contested in the award’s history.
The Ballon d’Or jury, comprising journalists representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, will assess players based on individual performances, their contribution to team success and the importance of the trophies won during the campaign.
Ahead of the official shortlist announcement, here are the five leading favourites:
5. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s inclusion among the leading contenders highlights the significant influence of the World Cup on the Ballon d’Or race.
The 39-year-old’s domestic campaign in Major League Soccer alone would probably not have placed him among the favourites, but his performances for Argentina at the World Cup have strengthened his case.
The Argentina captain scored eight goals during the tournament as his side progressed to the final, where they eventually lost to Spain.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé remains in pursuit of his first Ballon d’Or at the age of 27, despite producing outstanding individual numbers throughout his career.
The France captain enters this year’s race with a particularly strong case after winning the World Cup Golden Boot.
Mbappé also became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, further enhancing his credentials on the international stage.
At club level, he scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid during the season, although the Spanish giants failed to win major silverware.
3. Lamine Yamal
At just 19, Lamine Yamal is already being tipped as a potential multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner, and the Barcelona and Spain winger could claim his first award this year.
Yamal made history by becoming the youngest player to feature in and win both a European Championship final and a World Cup final.
His club campaign was equally impressive, with the teenager registering 24 goals and 18 assists as Barcelona secured another LaLiga title.
His performances for both club and country have placed him firmly among the leading contenders for the prestigious individual prize.
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2. Harry Kane
Harry Kane enters the Ballon d’Or race after an extraordinary season with Bayern Munich.
The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German champions, helping them secure a domestic league and cup double while also claiming the European Golden Shoe.
Although England failed to win the World Cup in North America, Kane still made a significant contribution, scoring six goals as the Three Lions reached a historic third-place finish.
His remarkable scoring record at both club and international level makes him one of the strongest contenders for the award.
1. Rodri
Rodri tops the list of favourites after playing a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Operating from the heart of Spain’s midfield, the Manchester City midfielder provided defensive protection while also controlling the tempo of the champions’ play.
His influence throughout the tournament earned him the World Cup Golden Ball, placing him ahead of prolific forwards including Mbappé and Messi.
With Spain lifting the World Cup and Rodri recognised as the tournament’s outstanding player, he heads into the shortlist announcement as the leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
