Just months after Ousmane Dembélé lifted the 2025 Ballon d’Or, attention has already turned to who could win the next Golden Ball, awarded to the world’s best player for the 2025/26 season. While legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could still surprise, it’s more likely that stars from elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain will dominate the race, especially with the World Cup also taking place in 2026.
The award now recognizes performances over a full season rather than the calendar year, and the rankings are determined by key factors goals, assists, clean sheets, trophies, standout moments, and overall form.
Top 10 Contenders:
10. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG & France):
After his 2025 triumph, Dembélé continues to shine for PSG under Luis Enrique. Though repeating his Ballon d’Or win will be tough, his early-season form three goals and two assists in nine games keeps him in contention.
9. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France):
Since his £50m move from Crystal Palace, Olise has flourished in Germany with seven goals and seven assists in 16 matches. If he helps France win the World Cup, he could rise even higher.
8. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England):
Rice is playing the best football of his career, justifying his £100m price tag. Should Arsenal claim the Premier League and England make a deep World Cup run, he could be a serious podium candidate.
7. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid & Brazil):
Despite past Ballon d’Or disappointments, Vini remains one of Madrid’s brightest stars. Five goals and four assists so far suggest he’s not done chasing football’s top honor.
6. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia):
Díaz’s move to Bayern has been electric 10 goals and five assists in 16 games. He’s thriving, though Colombia’s World Cup chances may limit his award hopes.
5. Pedri (Barcelona & Spain):
Often compared to Iniesta, Pedri continues to dictate games for club and country. With his technical brilliance and consistency, he’s among the best midfielders in the world.
4. Erling Haaland (Man City & Norway):
Back to his devastating best, Haaland already has 17 goals in 13 appearances. If City reclaim major silverware, his name will be hard to overlook.
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain):
The teenage sensation continues to defy logic with his maturity and skill. At just 18, he’s already key for both Barça and Spain and could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever.
2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England):
Kane’s prolific form 22 goals and three assists in 16 games makes him a serious threat. Add international or European success, and he could bring the Ballon d’Or back to England for the first time since 2001.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France):
Mbappé’s long-awaited Ballon d’Or may finally be on the horizon. After scoring 18 goals in 15 games this season, he’s leading Real Madrid and France with the dominance expected of a generational talent.
Full Top 20 Ranking:
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
3. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
4. Erling Haaland (Man City, Norway)
5. Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
6. Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia)
7. Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
8. Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
9. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
10. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France)
11. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
12. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
13. Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
14. Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
15. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
16. João Neves (PSG, Portugal)
17. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
18. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea, Ecuador)
19. Rodri (Man City, Spain)
20. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, England)
All statistics are courtesy of Transfermarkt, accurate as of November 5, 2025.
Be the first to comment