GhanaWeb Feature by Benjamin Sackey

The debate over who should be crowned winner of the prestigious Ballon d’Or has intensified following the announcement of nominations.

France Football unveiled all categories and nominees on September 8, 2026, officially beginning the screening and voting process ahead of the main event.

For the first time since 2019, the Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held outside the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. This year’s festivities head to London, England, in honor of inaugural Ballon d’Or winner Stanley Matthews.

Full list of 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations

Unlike previous editions, this year’s award does not appear to have a clear favorite. Leading contenders each have flaws, whether in individual performance or collective team achievements. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to play a decisive role, alongside standout performances in major matches.

Men’s Best Player Candidates

Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsí, title-holder Ousmane Dembélé, Bruno Fernandes, Luis Díaz, Erling Haaland, Gabriel Magalhães, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lamine Yamal, Sadio Mané, Marquinhos, Kylian Mbappé, Lautaro Martínez, Michael Olise, Willian Pacho, João Neves, Julián Quiñones, Rodri, Nuno Mendes, Vinícius Júnior, Declan Rice, Lionel Messi, Fabián Ruiz, Ferran Torres, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Vitinha.

Out of this list, a few players stand out as favorites based on their performances during the year under review.

Top Five Candidates for the Award

Kylian Mbappé

The French superstar delivered outstanding individual performances, winning multiple accolades for goalscoring.

La Liga: 31 games, 25 goals – crowned Pichichi Trophy winner.

Champions League: 15 goals – Top Scorer Award.

Overall: 44 matches, 42 goals for club.

World Cup: 10 goals in 8 games – became the all-time top scorer with 22 goals.
Despite these records, Mbappé did not win a single team title, raising doubts about his candidacy.

Harry Kane

The English striker combined prolific scoring with domestic success.

73 goals across all competitions.

Bundesliga: 36 goals in 31 appearances, 5 assists – Top Scorer.

European Golden Shoe winner.

World Cup: 6 goals in 7 matches, finishing third with England.

Titles: Bundesliga champion, DFB-Pokal winner, German Supercup winner.
His mix of goals and trophies makes him one of the strongest contenders.

Lamine Yamal

The Spanish prodigy shone at club level but underwhelmed at the World Cup.

La Liga: 16 goals, 12 assists.

Overall: 41 goal contributions in 45 appearances.

Titles: La Liga and Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona.

World Cup: 1 goal in 8 matches, though Spain won the tournament.

Rodri (Rodrigo Cascante)

The midfield general anchored Spain’s World Cup triumph.

Premier League: 21 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist.

Missed much of the club season, limiting his stats.

Won the English FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Manchester City

World Cup: Winner, Golden Ball, Player of the Tournament, captaining Spain to glory.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

The Georgian forward excelled at club level but missed the World Cup.

19 goals, 10 assists across the season.

Helped PSG win the Champions League, Ligue 1, UEFA Super Cup, and French Super Cup.

Named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season.

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