The 2026 Ballon d'Or race: The top spot is neither Yamal nor Mbappe

GOAL provided the newest update on the 2026 Ballon d'Or competition, revealing that neither Lamine Yamal nor Kylian Mbappe are the strongest candidates.

5. Nuno Mendes (PSG)

2025/26 season: Three goals, four assists, two clean sheets. UEFA Super Cup champion.

Nuno Mendes has made it into the top 10 voting Ballon d'Or 2025 and is on track to repeat this achievement, despite limited playing time at the start of the season for PSG. Coach Luis Enrique rotated the squad after a demanding summer at the Club World Cup, but no one made better use of their minutes on the pitch than Mendes.

The 23-year-old defender is regarded as one of the most complete full-backs in the world today, demonstrating balanced offensive and defensive skills at crucial moments since August. Mendes is also expected to be a key figure for Portugal at the World Cup, and winning club success in 2026 is well within his reach.

4. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

2025/26 season: Three goals, eight assists.

Yamal is on course to become the youngest player under 21 to win the Ballon d'Or, and he doesn't even need to win the award in 2026 to make history. The young Barcelona forward’s outstanding performances in the late stages of last season’s Champions League have led many to see him as one of the world’s best players, with his runner-up finish behind Dembele in the Ballon d'Or vote clearly reflecting this.

Some argue that Yamal still needs to create more decisive moments in big matches and worry that playing too much at a young age might increase injury risk. However, if he maintains good fitness, he has the full potential to lead both Barcelona and Spain to titles and become a strong Ballon d'Or contender in the future.

3. Erling Haaland (Man City)

2025/26 season: 24 goals, three assists.

After a disappointing previous season, Haaland activated “destruction mode” right from the start of the new campaign, becoming a lone “goal-scoring machine” for Man City as they aim to reaffirm their status as contenders in both the Premier League and Champions League. The 25-year-old striker is nearing his third Golden Boot in just four seasons, and so far no defense has been able to stop him.

Haaland’s explosive start has put him early in the Ballon d'Or race, and his chances improve as Norway is likely to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, giving him a first opportunity to participate in a major tournament. Although Norway is not highly rated in North America, Haaland could use this global stage to strengthen his Ballon d'Or chances if his club form continues smoothly.

2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

2025/26 season: 18 goals, four assists.

Since bursting onto the scene as a teenage sensation at Monaco, Mbappe has been seen as a potential candidate for the most prestigious award. But approaching 27, he is still waiting for his chance to stand on the top podium at Paris.

To date, he has done almost everything possible to boost his chances, leading Real Madrid to the top of La Liga with numerous decisive goals. The 1998-born superstar also tends to deliver his best performances at World Cups, so the French captain is expected to go far in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race.

1. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

2025/26 season: 23 goals, three assists. German Super Cup winner.

There have always been those who underestimated Harry Kane’s talent, but now, having won a title many doubted he could achieve for years, the Bayern Munich striker seems determined to prove he deserves individual awards as well, following a record-breaking impressive start to the season.

Besides scoring consistently, Kane demonstrates all-around playmaking ability, helping the Bundesliga champions shine. If he maintains this form, he will add more trophies by season’s end. Meanwhile, English fans hope their captain doesn’t fade before summer, as Kane plays a crucial role in their dream to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title for the "Three Lions".

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