2026 Ballon d'Or Favourites: Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe Leads Ahead of Ousmane Dembele, Yamal
Following Ousmane Dembele’s triumph as the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, focus has quickly turned to the next chapter.
The race for the 2026 award is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, with seasoned icons and rising talents determined to carve their place in football history.
Source: Getty Images
From seasoned icons like Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland to rising sensations such as Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer, the race is wide open, and it could produce a new face among the game’s immortals.
Check out Score 24's 10-man 2026 Ballon d'Or contenders below.
1. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé remains among the world’s most dangerous forwards, with 30 goals this season so far. His form has placed him firmly among the leading contenders for major individual honours in 2026.
2. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Many see him as a rising star who could challenge for the Ballon d’Or if he keeps performing at a top level throughout the 2025-26 season, as featured by Scores24.
Having missed out on the 2025 crown to Ousmane Dembele, finishing as runner-up, all signs point to Lamine Yamal setting his sights on the ultimate prize in 2026, and the best part is, he has all the talent to make it happen.
3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
The Norwegian continues to rank among football’s deadliest finishers. Should Manchester City challenge on all fronts, Haaland’s knack for delivering in crucial matches could propel him into the Ballon d’Or spotlight. He’s already being tipped as an early contender.
4. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah’s trademark consistency remains his biggest asset, but Liverpool’s early Champions League exit last season hampered his 2025 Ballon d’Or chances.
According to CBS Sports, if the Egyptian continues producing goals and assists while guiding Liverpool deep into Europe, he could mount a strong case for 2026. Right now, he is featuring at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, netting two goals for Egypt already.
Source: Getty Images
5. Raphinha (Barcelona)
Already in the mix in the 2025 award, Raphinha’s creative impact, goal contributions, and ability to shine in big moments make him a name to watch.
Ultimately, the Brazilian's chances hinges on his individual brilliance as well as Barcelona's performance in Europe.
6. Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Usually mentioned among “outside chances,” Palmer has shown flashes that suggest he could break into Ballon d’Or contention. With growth, consistency, and trophies, he may just emerge as a dark horse.
7. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
It may be unlikely for Dembele to secure consecutive Ballon d’Or titles, but his form and status as the reigning winner keep him firmly in the conversation. History shows that defending champions always command respect—can he emulate Messi’s feat?
8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
The Georgian winger continues to captivate with his dazzling dribbling and flashes of brilliance. Surrounded by PSG’s galaxy of stars, Kvaratskhelia could thrive under the spotlight, using big-stage performances to strengthen his Ballon d’Or credentials.
9. Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Long viewed as a future Ballon d’Or winner, Vinícius combines blistering pace, flair, and a lethal goal threat. Should Real Madrid excel both in Europe and domestically, the Brazilian will undoubtedly be among the strongest candidates.
10. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
One of Serie A’s most consistent strikers, Lautaro has the quality to mount a serious challenge. A campaign filled with decisive goals in key fixtures could see the Argentine forward emerge as a dark-horse contender.
Mbappe nets hat-trick against Kairat Almaty
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on Kylian Mbappe’s sensational hat-trick against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League, a performance that underlined his lethal finishing and reinforced why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world.
Kylian Mbappe wins court case against PSG
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a Paris labour court has ruled that Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) must pay former striker Mbappe nearly €60 million in unpaid salary and contractual bonuses, marking a significant chapter in one of European football’s most‑watched legal battles.
The judgment comes more than 18 months after the France international striker left the Ligue 1 giants to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in June 2024, following the expiration of his contract.
Source: YEN.com.gh
