The Rising Stars and Established Greats: Ballon d’Or Contenders for 2026

omidbasir- In the 2025-26 season, Lionel Messi achieved 22 goals and 19 assists, culminating in an MLS Cup victory. Once thought to be beyond the scope of Ballon d’Or nominations, Messi’s outstanding performance with Inter Miami, along with Argentina’s status as a favorite for the World Cup, places him back in contention for the prestigious award.

Messi demonstrated his exceptional quality as he secured his second consecutive MLS MVP award, contributing six goals and seven assists during Miami’s playoff matches. His pivotal role in Argentina’s lineup suggests that any success in the 2026 World Cup will heavily rely on his influence, especially considering the tournament will be hosted in North America.

Meanwhile, Raphinha’s fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting sparked debate, as many believed his impressive statistics at Barcelona deserved more recognition. Having recovered from a hamstring injury, Raphinha showcased his skills with a remarkable performance against Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final. As he looks to maintain his form, Raphinha is also poised to lead Brazil in the upcoming World Cup, where improvements under coach Carlo Ancelotti have positioned the team as contenders.

Luis Diaz’s departure from Liverpool has raised questions about the team’s trajectory this season. The versatile forward played a crucial role in Liverpool’s title win in 2024-25 before transferring to Bayern Munich for €75 million. Since joining Bayern, Diaz has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Kane and has delivered standout performances, including a memorable double against PSG in the Champions League.

Declan Rice has emerged as one of the elite midfielders globally, showcasing his talent with Arsenal and contributing significantly to their Premier League and Champions League aspirations. His pivotal role extends to the England national team, where he aims to help end a 60-year wait for the World Cup title.

Vitinha’s journey from a disappointing loan at Wolves to becoming a key figure at PSG underscores his development as one of the top midfielders worldwide. His contributions have been vital in PSG’s success, and with Portugal’s aspirations to win the World Cup, Vitinha is expected to play a crucial role.

Michael Olise has proven his critics wrong by excelling at Bayern Munich. His ability to score and create goals has established him as a formidable player in the Bundesliga and a key member of the French national team, potentially shining at the upcoming World Cup.

Lamine Yamal, the bookmakers’ favorite for the upcoming Ballon d’Or, is on track to become the first player under 21 to win the award. His impactful performances at Barcelona have garnered attention, although some concerns remain regarding his consistency and injury history.

Erling Haaland has returned to form after a challenging previous season, becoming a dominant force for Manchester City. His impressive goal tally and Norway’s qualification for the World Cup position him as a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or.

Kylian Mbappé, after years of anticipation, is on the brink of potentially claiming his first Ballon d’Or. His ability to perform under pressure for Real Madrid, coupled with his past success in World Cups, makes him a prominent contender this year.

Lastly, Harry Kane, having found significant success with Bayern Munich, is determined to prove his worth for both club and country. His scoring prowess and all-around game have contributed to Bayern’s success, and he remains a crucial figure for England in their quest for international glory.