The announcement is expected to intensify the debate over who should claim football’s most prestigious individual prize following the conclusion of the 2025/26 European season and the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The international media jury, made up of leading journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, will assess the nominees based on their individual performances and major honours won during the campaign.
With the official shortlist still to be announced, here are the current top five favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
5. Lionel Messi — Inter Miami/Argentina
Lionel Messi’s presence among the leading contenders underlines the influence of major international tournaments on the Ballon d’Or race.
While his domestic campaign in Major League Soccer has attracted less attention, the 39-year-old Argentina captain enjoyed a strong World Cup campaign.
Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and helped Argentina reach the final, where they were beaten by Spain.
4. Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/France
Kylian Mbappé remains firmly in contention after another remarkable campaign.
The 27-year-old claimed the World Cup Golden Boot in North America and became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.
At club level, Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid, further strengthening his case for the prestigious individual award.
3. Lamine Yamal — Barcelona/Spain
Lamine Yamal’s extraordinary rise has continued, with the Barcelona winger emerging as one of the leading contenders for the award.
The 19-year-old made history by becoming the youngest player to feature in and win both a European Championship and a World Cup final.
Yamal finished the season with 24 goals and 18 assists, helping Barcelona secure the LaLiga title before playing a key role in Spain’s World Cup triumph.
2. Harry Kane — Bayern Munich/England
Harry Kane enters the final stage of voting after producing one of the most prolific individual campaigns of his career.
The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, helping the German giants secure a domestic double while also claiming the European Golden Shoe.
Kane also made his mark on the international stage, scoring six goals as England finished third at the World Cup.
1. Rodri — Manchester City/Spain
Rodri currently leads the rankings and has strengthened his claim after an influential World Cup campaign with Spain.
The Manchester City midfielder operated as Spain’s tactical anchor throughout the tournament, helping control games from the heart of midfield.
His performances earned him the World Cup Golden Ball, further boosting his credentials as the leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
With the official 30-man shortlist due to be announced on 8 September, the final battle for football’s biggest individual prize is set to enter its decisive stage.
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