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Journalists from The Athletic have published their ranking of the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane tops the list.
His Bayern teammate, France winger Michael Olise, is in second place.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Rodri ranks third.
The top 10 also includes Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
Messi is therefore ranked 10th, while Kvaratskhelia and Lamine Yamal fall outside the top five.
The current holder of the Ballon d’Or is Ousmane Dembele.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the player considered the best in world football based on individual performances and achievements during the relevant period. The 2026 award will be decided after the season’s major domestic and international competitions.
