Who Will Win the 2026 Ballon d'Or? 10 Leading Contenders Following Ousmane Dembele's Triumph

By: Shawn
‎Ousmane Dembele claimed the Ballon d’Or for 2025 at a dazzling ceremony in Paris, completing a remarkable turnaround at Paris Saint-Germain after being regarded by many Barcelona supporters as one of the least successful signings in the club’s history.
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Ousmane Dembele’s 2025 Ballon d’Or win sparks debate over next year’s frontrunners. From Lamine Yamal to Kylian Mbappe, here are the top 2026 contenders.
‎Getty Images Sport (2)
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‎The victory placed 18-year-old Lamine Yamal in second place, with the Barcelona prodigy already seen as a future winner of football’s most prestigious individual prize. Spain’s status as a strong favorite for the 2026 World Cup in North America only strengthens the teenager’s chances of lifting the award in the near future.
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‎With the 2025 edition concluded, attention has already shifted toward the main contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
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‎10. Cole Palmer
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‎Cole Palmer has shown a flair for delivering in crucial matches. His performances in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis and their Club World Cup triumph have put him on the radar. With Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge and England’s World Cup campaign approaching, Palmer could emerge as a serious dark horse if he maintains consistency.
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‎9. Achraf Hakimi
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‎Achraf Hakimi continues to shine as one of the most complete defenders in world football. A vital part of Paris Saint-Germain’s setup, the Moroccan full-back is central to both defense and attack. With Morocco tipped as favorites to win the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and their World Cup qualification within reach, Hakimi has a platform to strengthen his case for the award.
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‎8. Ousmane Dembele
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‎Dembele’s Ballon d’Or defense will depend heavily on his ability to maintain form and fitness. His resurgence in 2025, driven by a tactical shift under Luis Enrique, highlighted his vast potential. If he avoids injuries and continues to deliver for PSG and France, a back-to-back triumph is not out of the question.
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‎7. Vitinha
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‎Vitinha enjoyed a standout campaign, winning a treble with PSG and lifting the Nations League trophy with Portugal. His third-place finish in the 2025 vote demonstrates the recognition he is receiving at the top level. With PSG strong contenders in Europe and Portugal among the World Cup favorites, Vitinha is expected to remain a leading candidate.
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‎6. Pedri
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‎Barcelona midfielder Pedri is already regarded as one of the most complete players of his generation. At just 22, he combines composure in possession with defensive intelligence. If Spain succeed at the World Cup and Barcelona enjoy Champions League success, Pedri will be central to both achievements, strengthening his chances in 2026.
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‎5. Mohamed Salah
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‎Mohamed Salah’s consistency has kept him among the elite despite being 33. Liverpool’s push for both the Premier League and Champions League could play into his hands, while Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup offers additional opportunities. A successful double at club and international level would enhance Salah’s credentials for the award.
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‎4. Harry Kane
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‎Harry Kane’s prolific start at Bayern Munich has silenced early doubts in Germany. The England striker remains one of the most reliable scorers in Europe and continues to deliver in the Bundesliga and Champions League. With England expected to be among the strongest challengers at the World Cup, Kane’s momentum makes him a serious frontrunner.
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‎3. Erling Haaland
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‎Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring record has already placed him in Ballon d’Or contention, but qualification for the World Cup with Norway could elevate his chances significantly. With Manchester City still competing at the highest level, another strong season from the striker could put him firmly in the race.
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‎2. Kylian Mbappe
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‎Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid ended with a European Golden Shoe and a resurgence in form. The French forward has already started the new season strongly, boosting Real’s hopes of reclaiming both domestic and European crowns. With the chance to surpass Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, Mbappe is well-placed to compete for his first Ballon d’Or.
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‎1. Lamine Yamal
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‎Lamine Yamal finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote at just 18, confirming his status as a generational talent. His performances in Barcelona’s Champions League run showcased his ability to dominate at the highest level. Spain’s World Cup prospects and Barcelona’s European ambitions make him the early favorite for the 2026 award.

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