The race for football's most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d'Or, has a new frontrunner according to Goal.com. The publication has updated its rankings for the 2026 award, and it is Bayern Munich's prolific striker Harry Kane who now sits at the summit of the list.
Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, the English forward has been deemed the leading candidate. Hot on his heels is the young Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona winger has enjoyed a stellar campaign, securing the second spot in the rankings and establishing himself as a serious contender for the golden ball.
Completing the top three is French forward Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain. His performances have clearly caught the eye of the analysts at Goal, placing him firmly in the conversation for the sport's top individual honor.
The updated top 20 list showcases a blend of established superstars and rising talents from across Europe's elite leagues. The fourth position is held by Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice, while Bayern Munich's French winger Michael Olise claims fifth. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, despite his high profile, currently sits in sixth place.
The list continues with notable names such as PSG's Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at seven, Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland at eight, and PSG's Portuguese midfielder Vitinha at nine. Bayern Munich's Colombian winger Luis Diaz rounds out the top ten.
The rankings also reflect the enduring legacy of two of the game's greatest ever players. Lionel Messi, now with Inter Miami, is placed twelfth, while Cristiano Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr, is ranked thirteenth. Their continued presence on such lists is a testament to their remarkable longevity and impact on the sport.
Other prominent figures in the top 20 include Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães, Barcelona's Pedri and Raphinha, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. The rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot of the players perceived to be in the best form heading into the final stretch of the season.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.