Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, the focus of the football world has shifted toward the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony. Organizers have scheduled the official gala to take place on Monday, October 26. As the field remains crowded, Daily Post has identified the top 10 candidates currently leading the race.
1. Lamine Yamal: As a key figure in Spain’s World Cup victory, the 19-year-old Barcelona star is widely viewed as the frontrunner. He aims to become the youngest player to ever secure the trophy.
2. Lionel Messi: The 39-year-old Argentine captain remains a strong contender for a ninth title after nearly securing back-to-back World Cup trophies and maintaining exceptional output in goals and assists.
3. Kylian Mbappe: Despite France’s exit, the Real Madrid forward set a record for total World Cup goals and secured the LaLiga Pichichi award.
4. Harry Kane: The Bayern Munich striker dominated the 2025–26 season, netting 61 goals to lead his club to Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal victories.
5. Ousmane Dembele: The Paris Saint-Germain winger scored 20 goals during a season where his club successfully defended both the Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.
6. Erling Haaland: The Manchester City star scored 38 club goals and added seven more at the World Cup, including a decisive brace against Brazil.
7. Rodri: The Manchester City midfielder, who won in 2024, is back in the mix after being named the top player at the 2026 World Cup.
8. Jude Bellingham: The midfielder powered England to the World Cup semifinals, contributing seven goals throughout the tournament.
9. Michael Olise: Named Bundesliga Player of the Season, the Bayern Munich man tallied 22 goals and 31 assists, finishing as the World Cup’s top assist provider.
10. Declan Rice: A vital part of Arsenal’s historic league-winning side, Rice also played through significant adversity as a core piece of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
