With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d’Or hasn’t felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.
Dembele largely secured the award off the back of his performances in helping Paris Saint-Germain win their first European Cup, and the Champions League is yet again likely to have a big say on the Ballon d’Or battle this time around. However, it’s also a World Cup year, so there is a chance that the eventual winner doesn’t become clear until the summer in North America.
Don’t forget, too, that the Africa Cup of Nations will also be taken into account, meaning there could be some players who not only shine for their clubs but also impress at two major tournaments over the course of the campaign.
The Ballon d’Or race is a marathon not a sprint, but with the European season about to reach its denouement when PSG take on Arsenal in the Champions League final, GOAL‘s Ballon d’Or Power Rankings continue to track the likeliest winners of the Golden Ball ahead of the ceremony in London on October 26…
Previous update: May 7, 2026.
