Ballon d’Or 2026 ranking: Yamal emerges favourite after Spain’s World Cup triumph

Lamine Yamal has surged to the forefront of the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings following Spain's triumphant World Cup campaign. The young Barcelona winger is now considered the leading candidate for the prestigious individual award, having played a pivotal role in Spain's success.

Yamal's ascent places him ahead of footballing giants such as Argentina's captain Lionel Messi, who is listed in second position. England's star striker Harry Kane secures the third spot in the rankings. Former Ballon d'Or recipient Ousmane Dembélé, who claimed the award in 2025, is ranked fourth, closely followed by his French teammate Kylian Mbappé.

Other notable players in the top 10 include French player Michael Olise at sixth, with England's midfield duo Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice occupying seventh and eighth places respectively. Norway and Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland is ninth, while Georgia's talented forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rounds out the top ten. Yamal's current standing suggests he is in a formidable position to secure the award, with his consistent performances for both his club and country expected to heavily influence the final voting.