JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
All eyes are now on football’s most prestigious individual honour, the Ballon d’Or, following the conclusion of the 2025/26 football season and Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time to give La Roja its second world title at the expense of Lionel Messi’s Argentina, which was competing in consecutive finals after winning the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual award presented by France Football to recognize the most outstanding footballer of the year.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or was awarded to Paris Saint-Germain striker Ousmane Dembélé after a brilliant 2024/25 campaign in which he helped PSG to a historic treble that included the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles, as well as a runners-up finish in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The French international was also named best player in the Champions League and Ligue 1, winning the Golden Boot in the latter competition.
Also read: Why Messi deserves to win the Ballon d’Or: Beckham
This year’s award, which will be the 70th edition, is expected to be particularly significant because the period under review includes a FIFA World Cup. Consequently, the eventual winner’s chances will depend not only on the club’s performance but also on displays on football’s grandest international stage.
France Football has drawn up a list of 30 candidates after evaluating the performance of the players by club and national team. The final classification will be officially announced at the awards ceremony, scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026 at the London Palladium in London, England.
In this piece, Completesports.com’s HABEEB KURANGH describes five players who could win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)
Kane enjoyed one of the most prolific individual scoring seasons of the 2025/26 campaign, scoring an impressive 73 goals in 63 appearances for club and country. His figure was only surpassed by Lionel Messi’s 82 goals in the 2011/12 season.
Kane scored 61 goals and provided seven assists for Bayern Munich, inspiring them to win the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles. He also scored 12 goals for England, including five goals at the World Cup, where he captained the Three Lions to third place.
The 33-year-old won the European Golden Boot, won the Bundesliga top scorer award for the third consecutive season and was voted best player in the league by the Association of German Sports Journalists.
These achievements provide a compelling argument for Kane to fight for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)
Yamal has been in the spotlight since he made his professional debut in 2023 at the age of 15.
The teenage superstar finished second in last year’s standings after a remarkable 2024/25 season in which he scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists for Barcelona as they won the domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.
Yamal continued where he left off, recording 42 goal contributions (24 goals and 18 assists) in all competitions for the Blaugrana during the 2025/26 campaign. His performances helped Barcelona win the double of La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Also read: Yamal is the only player who deserves the Ballon d’Or: former Manchester City star
Although the 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of the season, he recovered in time for the World Cup and helped Spain lift the trophy, scoring a goal and providing an assist on their way to glory.
His contribution to Barcelona’s domestic success and Spain’s World Cup triumph strengthens his credentials for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid and France)
Mbappé, like Kane, enjoyed a notable individual season for club and country in 2025/26, making him a contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The 27-year-old became the only player in football history to win the Golden Boot in the League, Champions League and World Cup during the same season.
He scored 25 goals in La Liga, 15 in the UEFA Champions League and another 10 in the 2026 World Cup. His tally in the World Cup took him to 22 goals in the competition, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in their history.
However, despite his individual achievements, Mbappé failed to win titles with either Real Madrid or France during the period analyzed.
However, his prolific goalscoring record could keep him in the running for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami and Argentina)
Messi was outstanding for both club and country during the season, scoring 45 goals and providing 32 assists for Inter Miami and Argentina.
The Argentine superstar helped Inter Miami win its first MLS championship in 2025, before adding the 2026 Campeones Cup to the Florida-based club’s honors.
Messi came close to inspiring Argentina to another World Cup triumph, but the Albiceleste lost to Spain in the final, having won the tournament four years earlier in Qatar.
He scored eight goals and gave four assists in the World Cup.
Also read: Ronaldo is snubbed again as Messi, Yamal, Rice, Mbappé and Haaland appear on the shortlist for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or Award
Messi is also expected to make a farewell appearance for Argentina when they face Benin Republic in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Despite Argentina’s defeat in the final, Messi’s individual contribution to the tournament could strengthen his case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Rodri (Barcelona and Spain)
Rodri endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign at Manchester City, making just 29 appearances after suffering injuries and fitness issues for much of the season.
However, the midfielder, now at Barcelona according to the club details indicated in the article, had an outstanding performance in the World Cup. He started every game and helped Spain win the trophy, earning the best player of the tournament award in the process.
Rodri also won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Manchester City, who finished second behind Arsenal in the Premier League.
His influence on Spain’s World Cup triumph could prove significant in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although his limited club appearances may work against him.
Other possible candidates for the Ballon d’Or 2026
Notable omissions from the top five include Michael Olise, who enjoyed a notable season with Bayern Munich and France; Fabián Ruiz, who helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Ligue 1 and Champions League double while playing a key role in Spain’s World Cup success; and Ousmane Dembélé, who was fundamental for PSG and France.
What could decide the Ballon d’Or 2026?
This year’s Ballon d’Or race is likely to generate considerable debate, as previous editions have. However, the eventual winner will need to make a strong case based on the award’s three main criteria: individual performances and decisive contributions; collective performances and titles won with clubs and national teams; plus class and fair play.
