Frontrunner for 2026 Ballon d'Or revealed as Yamal gains momentum following Spain's global championship victory

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Spain’s World Cup triumph has propelled Lamine Yamal to top of the Ballon d’Or 2026 rankings.

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The Barcelona winger is now regarded as the leading contender for the prestigious individual award after playing a key role in Spain’s successful campaign.

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Yamal tops the list ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who is ranked second, while England striker Harry Kane occupies third place.

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Former Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who claimed the award in 2025, is fourth, followed by his France teammate Kylian Mbappé.

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Another French star, Michael Olise, is sixth, with England midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice ranked seventh and eighth respectively.

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Norway and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is ninth, while Georgia forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completes the top 10.

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The current ranking places Yamal in a strong position to claim the award, with his performances for both club and country likely to be key factors in the final voting.

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Ballon d’Or 2026 ranking

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• Lamine Yamal
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• Lionel Messi
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• Harry Kane
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• Ousmane Dembélé
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• Kylian Mbappé
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• Michael Olise
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• Jude Bellingham
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• Declan Rice
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• Erling Haaland
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• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
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