World Cup reshapes Ballon d'Or race
The curtain has fallen on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain edging Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift their second world title, but football's biggest individual prize now takes centre stage.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or, set to be announced on October 26 in London, appears more open than it seemed before the quadrinneal event. The World Cup has significantly altered the conversation, with Spain's triumph pushing their stars to the front while several standout performers from other nations remain firmly in contention.
Here is a look at the leading candidates following the tournament:
Rodri
If there is one player whose stock has risen the most, it is Rodri.
The Spain midfielder capped a remarkable comeback from the serious knee injury that threatened to derail his career by guiding La Roja to the World Cup title and winning the tournament's Golden Ball.
While Spain's composure in midfield grabbed headlines, it was Rodri who was the team's metronome. He dictated the tempo, controlled possession, and provided the platform for Spain's dominant displays throughout the tournament, including the final victory over Argentina.
His case is only strengthened as he finished with the most passes, line-breaking throughs since the 1966 World Cup – a factor that could carry significant weight in Ballon d'Or voting.
The only blemish is his club campaign. Manchester City fell short in both the Premier League and Champions League, although domestic cup success softened the disappointment. Even so, his World Cup heroics may now outweigh an underwhelming season at club level.
Lamine Yamal
Few players have enjoyed a rise as spectacular as Lamine Yamal.
Still a teenager, the 19-year-old Barcelona winger has now added a World Cup to the European Championship he won in 2024, cementing his place as the face of football's new generation.
His numbers during the tournament may not match some of his rivals, partly because he entered the World Cup carrying an injury, but he delivered when Spain needed him most. Influential performances in the semifinal against France and the final against Argentina underlined his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
He also ended the World Cup with the most successful dribbles.
Combined with an outstanding domestic season that helped Barcelona reclaim the LaLiga title, Yamal has built one of the strongest overall cases for football's highest individual honour.
Lionel Messi
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Argentina may have fallen one step short of defending their crown, but Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains among the game's elite.
At 39, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner produced eight goals and four assists, carrying Argentina deep into the tournament with a string of match-winning displays. He scored in all three group-stage matches, netted a hattrick against Algeria, struck twice against Austria and added goals or assists in every knockout round before the final.
His two assists in the semifinal victory over England were particularly decisive, while his overall influence drove Argentina to a second successive World Cup final.
However, defeat in the title match may prove costly. With Messi no longer playing in one of Europe's top-five leagues, the World Cup represented his strongest platform to mount another Ballon d'Or challenge. Falling at the final hurdle could leave him just behind the frontrunners despite another extraordinary tournament.
Kylian Mbappe
No player was more prolific than Kylian Mbappe in the 2026 World Cup.
The France forward claimed the Golden Boot after finishing the World Cup with 10 goals and four assists, while also becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
His clinical finishing ensured France reached the semifinals before eventually finishing fourth, although that result may count against him in comparison to players who lifted the trophy.
Mbappe also enjoyed another prolific campaign with Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals in all competitions. Yet Madrid's failure to secure major silverware means his candidacy rests heavily on his remarkable individual output rather than team success.
His goalscoring exploits keep him firmly in the conversation, even if France ultimately fell short.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane continues to strengthen his reputation as one of football's most consistent performers.
After leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and helping them reach the Champions League semifinals, the England captain carried that form into the World Cup.
Kane finished with six goals and one assist as England recorded their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, once again proving decisive on the international stage.
His club and international performances combine to form an impressive portfolio, although he may lack the defining trophy that often separates Ballon d'Or winners from the rest.
With Spain producing both the world champions and the tournament's best player, Rodri and Yamal appear to have edged ahead in the race. But with Messi producing another vintage World Cup, Mbappe rewriting goalscoring history and Kane delivering yet another prolific year, the battle for football's most prestigious individual honour remains far from settled.
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