With the 2025/26 football season now wrapped up following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the spotlight has shifted to the upcoming Ballon d’Or football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
The contest for the award is already being hailed as one of the most compelling in recent memory, with early discussions by football experts and major sporting outlets (as reported by Sports Illustrated) centering on Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, and reigning champion Ousmane Dembélé.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in London on October 26, with the winner set to succeed Dembélé, who claimed the 2025 title. According to UEFA, Messi remains the record-holder with eight Ballon d’Or wins, trailed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s five.
The current race is marked by a fascinating array of cases:
- Harry Kane is widely supported for his exceptional individual statistics and club success.
- Lamine Yamal’s candidacy has soared after helping Spain win the World Cup.
- Messi and Mbappé have re-entered the conversation thanks to their standout World Cup performances.
- Rodri and Dembélé maintain strong profiles in expert assessments.
Prominent voices in football have started to declare their favorites. Here are some of the most notable endorsements so far:
- Jamie Carragher — Harry Kane
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has given one of the clearest endorsements, stating that Kane deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or based on his last 12 months. Carragher, however, acknowledged that World Cup success could sway voters toward a champion from the winning nation, as reported by Goal. - Rodri — Lamine Yamal
2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has backed his Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, highlighting the Barcelona winger’s immense talent before the World Cup. Yamal’s status as a frontrunner has only grown with Spain’s triumph.
- William Gallas — Lamine Yamal
Former France international William Gallas has also favored Yamal, arguing that the teenager’s decisive role in Spain’s World Cup victory outweighs Kane’s individual achievements, especially since England fell short of the final (Bavarian Football Works). - Bacary Sagna — Michael Olise
Ex-Arsenal and France defender Bacary Sagna pointed to Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise as a potential Ballon d’Or contender, had Bayern won the Champions League. Sagna praised Olise’s creativity and predicted a bright future even if he doesn’t make the top three (Bavarian Football Works). - Sporting Outlets — Kane and Yamal
Media coverage has increasingly focused on Kane and Yamal. Sporting News listed both as frontrunners prior to the World Cup, while TalkSPORT later reported that they had emerged as the top two contenders. Kane’s case is built on individual brilliance, while Yamal’s combines club performance and World Cup glory. - L’Équipe Readers — Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has received considerable public support. In a poll by French newspaper L’Équipe, the Real Madrid star led with nearly 32% of more than 35,000 votes, ahead of Yamal and Kane. His case is boosted by his 10 World Cup goals—making him the tournament’s top scorer—and record-breaking feats for France. - L’Équipe and CBS Sports — Lionel Messi
Messi’s World Cup performances have reignited debate about a potential ninth Ballon d’Or. L’Équipe called him a natural candidate after he led Argentina to the final, notching eight goals and four assists. CBS Sports echoed this, pointing out that Messi’s brilliance could tip the scales, especially with other favorites missing out on the trophy. - Ousmane Dembélé — Defending Champion
As the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Dembélé remains a legitimate contender. His prospects were discussed on CBS Sports Golazo, comparing him to the likes of Mbappé, Yamal, Kane, Haaland, and Raphinha.
In summary, the 2026 Ballon d’Or race is defined by contrasting narratives: Kane’s stellar numbers, Yamal’s World Cup success, Mbappé’s scoring exploits, Messi’s enduring excellence, and the ongoing claims of stars like Dembélé and Rodri. As the final votes approach, the central question is not just who had the best season, but which achievements will resonate most with voters.
Who do you think is best positioned—and most deserving—to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, and why?
