The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual award, is becoming increasingly open and unpredictable, especially with the current Champions League season in full swing.
GOAL’s rankings feature several players who have excelled in European competitions. In particular, Luis Diaz and Declan Rice have significantly improved their chances thanks to impressive performances in the Champions League.
However, according to the rankings, one of the main contenders is Harry Kane, who is still considered the favorite for the award.
Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Vinicius Junior are also in good positions. The list also includes Vitinha, Michael Oliseh, Rafinha, Julian Alvarez, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is noted that not only club competitions but also major international events, including the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, can play a decisive role in this season and significantly influence the final selection.
According to analysts, the race remains open until the end of the season, and the final winner can only be determined in the summer.
