The 2026 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on October 26. Last year’s recipient was Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé. In 2024, Rodri claimed the prize, and Lionel Messi achieved his eighth win in 2023.
2026 Nominee List
The 2026 candidate list, featuring 30 players, was released on September 8. Consideration is given to performances between last August and July, spanning a World Cup and several key matches.
Criteria for Voting
Journalists will evaluate players based on:
- Individual and decisive performances
- Collective achievements and trophies won
- Class and fair play on and off the pitch
These criteria allow for subjective interpretation, with the World Cup often significantly influencing the outcome every four years.
The Athletic’s Top Candidates
1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Harry Kane had an unprecedented season in 2025-26, scoring 73 times in 65 games across Bundesliga, Champions League, and the World Cup.
Kane excelled in pivotal moments with multiple goals in Champions League games and domestic finals. His performance in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and his significant contribution in matches for England positioned him as a top contender.
2. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)
Michael Olise amassed 20 goals and 32 assists, leading in Europe’s top leagues excluding penalties. He set a World Cup record with seven assists in one tournament.
Olise’s creativity and accountability on the field made him a standout despite Bayern and France not winning the major trophies.
3. Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona & Spain)
Rodri’s return from an injury in the latter half of the season marked his significance for his teams. He thrived in City’s league and FA Cup victories and was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup win, earning the Golden Ball.
4. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & France)
Kylian Mbappe dominated the World Cup with ten goals, leading as the tournament’s top scorer for the second time in a row. He also excelled at Real Madrid but ended without major club titles.
5. Erling Haaland (Manchester City & Norway)
Erling Haaland netted 27 Premier League goals and contributed 47 goals across club matches. He shone for Norway with 13 goals during World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.
Haaland’s World Cup was remarkable, highlighting his prowess and influence in advancing Norway to the quarter-finals.
6. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain & Georgia)
Kvaratskhelia’s contributions were pivotal in PSG’s Champions League success. Despite significant playing time limitations due to rotation and injury, he delivered in crucial European contests.
7. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)
Lamine Yamal made notable advances in 2025-26 but was hampered by injuries. His exceptional performances when fit were instrumental, although his World Cup lacked the expected impact.
8. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich & Colombia)
Luis Diaz, part of Bayern’s formidable attack, recorded 22 goals and 17 assists across crucial matches. Though Colombia struggled at the World Cup, his club performance was prodigious.
9. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
Jude Bellingham was instrumental for England at the World Cup, scoring crucial goals. Injury affected his club performance at Real Madrid, but his international contributions stand out.
10. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami & Argentina)
Lionel Messi, at 39, continues to impress. His World Cup showcase and impact on Inter Miami, leading to an MLS title, attest to his enduring talent. With 44 goals and 34 assists in the qualifying period, his performance deserves recognition.