Ballon d'Or 2026: Messi Surprised, Top 1 Revealed!

After Spain's World Cup victory, Rodri is rated the most promising contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ranking above Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.

The 2026 World Cup ended with Spain crowned champions, while also causing major shifts in the Ballon d'Or race. Unlike some years when the winner was almost predetermined, this competition features many candidates with outstanding performances at both club and international levels.

According to the top 10 candidates list released by Sports Illustrated, Rodri holds the advantage thanks to his pivotal role in Spain's success. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London.

10. Fabián Ruiz – PSG/Spain

Fabián Ruiz is the only player on this list to have won both the Champions League and the World Cup this year. The PSG midfielder also contributed to the Ligue 1 title, started in the Champions League final against Arsenal, and helped his team control the midfield.

At the international level, Ruiz played throughout Spain's victorious campaign, started in the final against Argentina, and scored a crucial opening goal against Belgium in the quarter-finals.

9. Erling Haaland – Man City/Norway

Haaland was the driving force in Norway's historic run, as the team reached the quarter-finals in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. He scored seven goals, including a brace that helped Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16.

Although Man City did not win the Premier League, Haaland still netted 38 goals across all competitions and claimed the Golden Boot for the third time in four seasons.

8. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England

A season plagued by injuries and a trophy drought at Real Madrid initially put Bellingham at a disadvantage. However, the 23-year-old midfielder exploded at the World Cup with seven goals, leading England to the semi-finals before scoring a decisive goal against France in the third-place match.

The Three Lions' failure to win the title lowers Bellingham's chances of taking the award, but his performances in North America brought him back into the contender group.

7. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich/France

Olise topped the World Cup assist charts with seven assists. Earlier, he enjoyed a brilliant season with Bayern Munich, scoring 22 goals, providing 31 assists, and helping the Bavarian club secure the Bundesliga and German Cup double.

The French star was also named Bundesliga Player of the Year. However, missing the Champions League and World Cup titles could cost him points.

6. Ousmane Dembélé – PSG/France

The 2025 Ballon d'Or winner continued to play a decisive role as PSG successfully defended both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Dembélé scored 20 goals, including a brace against Liverpool in the quarter-finals, two goals against Bayern in the semi-finals, and PSG's only goal in the final against Arsenal.

He also scored six goals for France at the World Cup, despite often playing out of position.

5. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid/France

Mbappé won the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals. That achievement brought his total World Cup goals to 22 in 22 matches, making him the tournament's all-time top scorer.

The French striker also scored 42 goals for Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season. However, Real's lack of trophies and France's fourth-place finish meant Mbappé's resume lacked team honors.

4. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England

No player scored more club goals in the 2025/26 season than Harry Kane. The English striker bagged 61 goals, helping Bayern win the Bundesliga and the German Cup.

Kane also scored six goals at the World Cup, but a lackluster performance in the semi-final loss to Argentina prevented him from turning his extraordinary season into a decisive advantage in the race.

3. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami/Argentina

Argentina failed to defend their world title, but Messi still had a memorable tournament with eight goals and four assists. He himself provided the decisive pass that led to his team's late goal against England in the semi-finals.

At club level, Messi scored 43 goals in 2025 and led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title. His outstanding individual performances allowed him to keep competing for the Ballon d'Or at age 39.

2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona/Spain

Yamal only had one goal and one assist at the World Cup, but the numbers don't tell the full story of the 19-year-old's impact. His dribbling, creativity, and defensive contributions were key to Spain's championship.

In Barcelona colors, Yamal scored 24 goals, provided 18 assists, and helped the Catalan club successfully defend La Liga. He now has the chance to break the record and become the youngest Ballon d'Or winner in history.

1. Rodri – Man City/Spain

Rodri was ranked number one by Sports Illustrated after becoming the heart of the system that guided Spain to World Cup glory. The Man City midfielder controlled the tempo, aided ball distribution, and formed a solid shield in front of the defense.

Spain conceded only one goal in the entire tournament, the best defensive record ever recorded for a champion World Cup. Rodri also won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

After his victory in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, Rodri now stands on the verge of stepping onto the top podium for the second time. With a world title and an irreplaceable role in the Spanish squad, he is regarded as the candidate with the most comprehensive profile.