Ronaldo and Messi could win the Ballon d'Or 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have every chance to dream of the Ballon d'Or 2026 with strong achievements ahead.

The race for the title Ballon d'Or 2025 has officially concluded with Ousmane Dembele as the ultimate winner. Thanks to his outstanding performance last season, the French forward surpassed many strong contenders to lift this prestigious individual award for the first time in his career.

However, to defend his title, Dembele will certainly need to maintain his form against opponents eager to dethrone him.

One of them is Lionel Messi, the superstar turning 39 next year. Currently, Messi has not yet decided whether to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but if he takes part and delivers a spectacular performance like in the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina triumphed, the Inter Miami player could become a strong candidate for the Ballon d'Or, potentially winning it for the ninth time.

Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo also shows a strong desire to claim more titles. The 2026 World Cup might be CR7’s last international tournament, and it’s the final major trophy missing from his illustrious career.

If he is determined to lead Portugal to glory, nothing can stop Ronaldo, who will turn 41 next year, from winning the Ballon d'Or for the sixth time, making him one of the oldest players ever to receive this prestigious individual award, alongside the late legend Stanley Matthews.

However, Messi and Ronaldo are not the top favorites in the race for the Ballon d'Or 2026.

Lamine Yamal, who finished as runner-up this year, has a real chance to win the Ballon d'Or while still a teenager. Spain is considered a strong contender for the World Cup title, and Barcelona is also a major competitor in the Champions League. With his proven talent and skill, Yamal will definitely be among the leading candidates.

Kylian Mbappe, ranked seventh, is still chasing his first Ballon d'Or. The French star has started strongly with Real Madrid. If the Royal Club wins the Champions League and France advances far in the World Cup, 2026 could be Mbappe’s moment.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane continues to impress with his goal-scoring form for Bayern Munich and the England national team. If he leads his club or country to victory in the Champions League or World Cup, the 32-year-old striker could become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

Additionally, Erling Haaland is showing potential to break numerous records thanks to an explosive start to the season. If Manchester City secures major titles, the Norwegian striker will be a strong contender. However, Haaland’s limitation lies in Norway’s difficulty advancing far in the World Cup, although they are likely to qualify.

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Winning the Ballon d'Or, Dembele achieved what Ronaldo couldn’t By becoming the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmane Dembele has joined the ranks of football legends worldwide. See more