Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph has boosted Lamine Yamal’s chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the Barcelona winger now leading the latest rankings for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Yamal’s standout performances throughout Spain’s successful World Cup campaign have placed him ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who occupies second position.
England captain Harry Kane is ranked third, while 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé sits fourth. France forward Kylian Mbappé completes the top five.
France international Michael Olise is sixth on the list, followed by England midfield duo Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in seventh and eighth places respectively.
Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland is ranked ninth, while Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rounds out the top 10.
With his impressive displays for both Barcelona and Spain, Yamal has emerged as the frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although the final outcome will depend on the official voting process.
Ballon d’Or 2026 Rankings
- Lamine Yamal
- Lionel Messi
- Harry Kane
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Kylian Mbappé
- Michael Olise
- Jude Bellingham
- Declan Rice
- Erling Haaland
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia