Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal has emerged as the leading favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, edging ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the latest rankings released ahead of this year’s prestigious award ceremony.
The teenage winger’s outstanding performances for both club and country have propelled him to the top of the list, placing him in a strong position to claim football’s biggest individual honour.
Messi, who guided Argentina to another FIFA World Cup final with a series of inspirational displays, sits second in the latest standings.
England captain Harry Kane occupies third place after another prolific campaign, while France winger Ousmane Dembele is ranked fourth.
Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe completes the top five.
French international Michael Olise is sixth following an impressive season, while England midfield duo Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are ranked seventh and eighth respectively.
Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is ninth, with Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rounding out the top 10.
The latest rankings suggest the Ballon d’Or race remains highly competitive, although Yamal’s remarkable rise has made him the current frontrunner for the coveted award.
2026 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Harry Kane (England)
- Ousmane Dembele (France)
- Kylian Mbappe (France)
- Michael Olise (France)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Declan Rice (England)
- Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia)
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced at the annual ceremony later this year, with performances during the closing stages of the World Cup expected to have a significant influence on the final voting.
