Paris Saint-Germain have wasted little time reminding the football world of their growing dominance in Europe, opening the new season with another major piece of silverware and, in the process, adding fresh momentum to the Ballon d’Or campaigns of their leading stars.

The Ligue 1 giants defeated Arsenal in May to lift the Champions League trophy, and they followed that triumph by overcoming Aston Villa to claim the European Super Cup.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave PSG the lead, but Brian Madjo restored parity for Villa before half-time. Desire Doué then struck in the second half to seal victory and secure another European honour for the French champions.

The triumph means PSG have now won back-to-back Super Cup titles, further strengthening the credentials of their standout players as the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or enters a decisive phase.

According to BBC Sport, the battle for the prestigious individual award remains remarkably open, with club performances competing for attention against what players achieved at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Here are the current leading contenders:

1. Harry Kane – England/Bayern Munich

Harry Kane currently has perhaps the strongest statistical argument for the award.

The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring 73 goals as the German giants secured a domestic double and advanced to the Champions League semi-finals.

Kane’s extraordinary goal-scoring numbers give him a powerful foundation in the Ballon d’Or race, although his international performances will also be crucial when voters make their final assessments.

2. Ousmane Dembélé – France/PSG

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner remains firmly in contention for another crown.

Dembélé played a key role in PSG’s dominance both domestically and in Europe, while his World Cup campaign further strengthened his credentials. The France international scored six goals, including a hat-trick against Norway.

With PSG continuing to collect major trophies, Dembélé has the opportunity to build an increasingly compelling case for back-to-back victories.

3. Lamine Yamal – Spain/Barcelona

At just 19, Lamine Yamal continues to establish himself among the world’s elite.

The Barcelona winger helped his club win LaLiga and the Supercopa de España, adding more major honours to an already impressive young career.

Spain’s success at the 2026 World Cup has also kept Yamal firmly in the conversation, although his individual impact at the tournament was quieter than some of his rivals.

4. Rodri – Spain/Manchester City

Rodri’s credentials are built on both individual brilliance and international success.

The Manchester City midfielder was awarded the World Cup Golden Ball after featuring in all eight of Spain’s matches during their campaign.

He also enjoyed domestic success with City, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. However, the absence of the Premier League and Champions League from his trophy cabinet this season could count against him when compared with some of the other leading candidates.

5. Kylian Mbappé – France/Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé may have the most eye-catching individual numbers of the five when it comes to the World Cup.

The France captain scored 10 goals and supplied four assists as his country finished fourth. He also created history by becoming the first player to win the Golden Boot in LaLiga, the Champions League and the World Cup in the same calendar year.

Yet, despite his extraordinary individual achievements, Mbappé’s case has been weakened by Real Madrid’s lack of major team trophies.

A Race That Could Go Down to the Wire

The 2026 Ballon d’Or race has developed into a fascinating contest between individual brilliance, club success and international achievement.

Kane’s remarkable goal tally, Dembélé’s European dominance, Yamal’s emergence, Rodri’s World Cup influence and Mbappé’s extraordinary scoring record all provide compelling arguments.

With PSG beginning the new campaign by adding another European trophy to their collection, their stars may have gained an important advantage.

But with such a closely contested field, the final outcome could ultimately come down to which achievements voters value most when the time comes to crown the world’s best player.