Ballon d'Or 2026 Rankings Updated After Lamine Yamal's Emotional Barcelona Opener
- Kylian Mbappé has moved to the top of the 2026 Ballon d'Or standings following a reshuffle after the opening weekend of European fixtures
- Barcelona thrashed Elche 5-0 in La Liga as Lamine Yamal had a night to forget, while PSG were held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes in Ligue 1
- The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set for October 26 in London, marking the award's 70th anniversary in a historic first
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The 2026 Ballon d'Or race is already taking shape after the opening weekend of Europe's major leagues, with Kylian Mbappe moving to the front of the queue.
The Real Madrid forward has climbed to No.1 following a weekend that saw several leading contenders produce mixed results.
Source: Getty Images
Barcelona, meanwhile, made a statement in their La Liga opener by thrashing Elche 5-0, although Lamine Yamal endured a quieter evening than expected.
Raphinha and Fermín López both scored twice, while new signing Karim Adeyemi also found the net as Hansi Flick's side began their title defence in style.
For Yamal, however, the occasion was less memorable. According to Goal, the teenager failed to score and struggled to impose himself as Barcelona cruised to victory.
Watch a compilation of Yamal's performance vs Elche, as shared on X:
Updated Ballon d'Or 2026 rankings
Mbappe now leads the updated standings, with Yamal moving into second place despite his subdued display against Elche, according to Score90.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane sits third, followed by Barcelona midfielder Rodri and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland.
Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele has slipped to sixth after Paris Saint-Germain surrendered a two-goal lead against Rennes.
Michael Olise, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Lionel Messi complete the top 10.
Below is the full ranking per Score90:
- Kylian Mbappe
- Lamine Yamal
- Harry Kane
- Rodri
- Erling Haaland
- Ousmane Dembele
- Michael Olise
- Jude Bellingham
- Vinicius Junior
- Lionel Messi
Dembele's Ballon d'Or chances take a hit
While Mbappe's chances have been boosted after the opening weekend in Europe, that of Dembele has taken a hit.
According to BBC Sport, PSG appeared to be heading for defeat after Rennes raced into a 2-0 lead, prompting Luis Enrique to introduce Ferran Torres at half-time for the Ballon d'Or holder.
The former Barcelona forward responded brilliantly, scoring in the 71st and 82nd minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw.
Torres, who joined PSG for a reported £42.7 million on August 15, had already scored Spain's winning goal against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.
The result nevertheless strengthened Mbappe's position at the summit.
Watch Torres' brace vs Rennes, as shared on X:
The Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in London on October 26, 2026, marking the award's 70th anniversary.
France star rules Kane out of Ballon d’Or race
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Harry Kane is no longer a contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The 1998 World Cup winner said Kane’s Bundesliga goals are impressive, but performances on the biggest stage matter more.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
