The Ballon d'Or is football's most prestigious individual award, recognising the world's best men's and women's players each year. As the 2026 ceremony approaches, fans around the world are debating who deserves to lift the famous Golden Ball. In this guide, we'll look at the ceremony date, the leading contenders, Ballon d'Or winners by club, and our predictions for this year's awards.
Ballon d'Or 2026 Ceremony Date
This will be the 70th edition of the most renowned football event. The ceremony will be organised on Monday, 26th October, 2026 in London, UK. Even though the time hasn't been announced yet, it is expected to begin in the early evening, around 7:00 PM UK time / 8:00 PM CET.
Men's Ballon d'Or Winners by Club
| Club | Winning Players | Total Ballon d'Or Wins |
| Real Madrid | 8 | 12 |
| Barcelona | 6 | 12 |
| Juventus | 6 | 8 |
| AC Milan | 6 | 8 |
| Bayern Munich | 3 | 5 |
| Manchester United | 4 | 4 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2 | 2 |
| Inter Miami | 1 | 1 |
| Inter Milan | 2 | 2 |
| Manchester City | 1 | 1 |
Top 7 Men candidates
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
A strong contender for the top spot is Harry Kane, who has achieved a total of 61 goals in 51 games across all competitions for Bayern Munich. Moreover, some of the achievements he has won so far are also very impressive, including winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal & DFL-Super Cup. Kane has also been a great leader for both Bayern Munich and England, showing great sportsmanship throughout his career.
He has also performed incredibly well on the international stage, scoring six goals in the 2026 World Cup. With his incredible goalscoring record, leadership and consistency, Kane is definitely one of the favourites for the prestigious prize!
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
After the final round of the World Cup this year between Spain and Argentina, we cannot forget to mention this talented 19-year-old rising star. Even though he is still in the early stages of his career, he has already achieved some incredible honours, including the European Championship, La Liga, Supercopa de España and the 2026 World Cup.
Furthermore, he has also recorded 18 assists and 24 goals for Barcelona in all competitions. These are achievements that usually take experienced players years to accomplish. But Yamal is a truly talented player who has already shown that he deserves to win his first Ballon d'Or award this year.
Rodri (Manchester City)
During the World Cup, Rodri successfully won the Golden Ball, showing that even after recovering from a serious injury, his performance has remained stable, as he performed very well throughout the tournament. He captained and guided Spain to win the 2026 World Cup, joining an elite group of players who have won the World Cup, the European Championship (Euro 2024), and the Champions League.
Moreover, he also helped Manchester City win the FA Cup and EFL Cup during the 2025/26 domestic campaign. With his leadership, consistency and influence in midfield, Rodri has once again proven why he remains one of the strongest contenders for the Ballon d'Or.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
58 goals is an incredible number that Kylian Mbappé has achieved this season. Despite a left knee sprain earlier in the season, followed by a left hamstring injury in April, Mbappé still performed at a very high level for Real Madrid. Even during the 2026 World Cup, he suffered a minor ankle injury after the quarter-final against Morocco, but he was still able to continue competing. He went on to score 10 goals at the World Cup and win the Golden Boot, which is an outstanding achievement that must be added to the evidence for this year's 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Although he hasn't won a Ballon d'Or yet, this year he might finally bring one home. His incredible goalscoring record, determination and ability to perform despite injuries make him one of the strongest contenders for the prestigious prize.
Michael Olise (Bayern Munish)
Michael Olise has enjoyed an impressive season with Bayern Munich, showing his quality with his goalscoring ability, creativity and attacking influence. After making a strong impact since joining the German club, Olise has continued to develop into one of the most exciting young players in European football.
His performances have also helped Bayern Munich compete for major domestic and European trophies. With his technical ability, consistency and contribution in the final third, Olise could be a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or this year.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
“Hey Jude”, Jude Bellingham has scored a total of 15 goals and provided six assists for Real Madrid. Although he finished in third place in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting and won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player in 2023, he still has not won the Ballon d'Or award.
However, after his impressive performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored seven goals, this young midfielder has shown great potential to win the award this year. With his goalscoring ability, creativity and influence in midfield, Bellingham could finally have a chance to bring the prestigious prize home.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has continued to show his incredible quality, even at this stage of his career. After winning the Ballon d'Or eight times and playing a key role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, Messi remains one of the most decorated players in football history. His goalscoring ability, creativity and influence on the pitch have continued to make him a dangerous player for any opponent.
If he can maintain his impressive performances and make a strong impact in major competitions, Messi could once again have a chance to compete for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.
Women's Ballon d'Or Winners by Club
| Club | Winning Players | Total Ballon d'Or Wins |
| FC Barcelona | 2 | 5 |
| Lyon | 1 | 1 |
| Seattle Reign FC | 1 | 1 |
Top 7 Women's candidates
Alexia Putellas (London City Lionesses)
Alexia Putellas is no stranger to the Ballon d'Or, having won the award twice in 2021 and 2022. The Spanish midfielder has continued to perform at the highest level, especially during Barcelona's successful 2025/26 Champions League campaign, where she scored seven goals and provided seven assists.
She was also named the UEFA Women's Champions League Player of the Season after helping Barcelona lift the trophy once again. With her incredible leadership, consistency and key contributions on the biggest stage, Putellas is definitely one of the main contenders to bring home another Ballon d'Or.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
After finishing third in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting, Alessia Russo has continued to prove why she is one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe. She played a huge role in helping Arsenal win the Champions League while also guiding England to glory at the European Championship.
This season, Alessia has kept up her incredible goalscoring form, finishing with nine goals in the Champions League. With her impressive performances for both club and country, Russo has another fantastic opportunity to compete for the prestigious prize.
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)
Caroline Graham Hansen has been one of Barcelona's most reliable attacking players for years. Unlike some of the other contenders, her biggest strength is not only scoring goals but also creating opportunities for her teammates with her world-class dribbling, passing and creativity.
She provided four key assists in the 2025/26 Champions League campaign and remained a crucial part of Barcelona's dominant attack. After finishing second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, Caroline already knows what it takes to challenge for the award, and another strong season puts her right back among the favourites.
Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
Her incredible pace makes her a constant threat on the wing, while her ability to score and create chances adds another dimension to Barcelona's attack. Salma Paralluelo has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting young players in women's football.
After playing an important role in Barcelona's title-winning season, Salma has continued to develop into a key player for both club and country. If she can maintain her form and keep making an impact in important matches, she could be one of the younger players challenging for the Ballon d'Or this year.
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
The Barcelona midfielder has dominated the award in recent years, winning the Ballon d'Or three times in a row between 2023 and 2025. Aitana Bonmatí has a strong case simply because she remains one of the most influential players in women's football.
However, her chances this year could be more difficult after an injury kept her out for a large part of the 2025/26 season. She still managed to return in time to help Barcelona win the Champions League, but whether that is enough to claim a fourth consecutive award will be a big question.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Ewa Pajor has made her name through one thing above all else: goals. Since joining Barcelona, the Polish striker has shown why she is considered one of the most lethal attackers in the game. In the 2025/26 Champions League, Pajor finished as the tournament's top scorer with 11 goals, finishing ahead of Alessia Russo.
Her finishing, movement and ability to find the back of the net have made her a key part of Barcelona's frontline. If goals are what decide this year's Ballon d'Or, Pajor certainly has a strong argument to win it.
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)
The Haitian midfielder has become an essential player for Lyon with her ability to carry the ball forward, create chances and score important goals. Melchie Dumornay is one of the younger names on this list, but her performances for Lyon have shown that she can compete with the biggest stars in women's football.
She also scored in Lyon's 4–1 Coupe de France final victory over Paris Saint-Germain, adding another major trophy to her season. Dumornay may not have the same Ballon d'Or history as some of the other contenders, but her rapid rise could make this the year she enters the conversation.
