Who are the contenders for the Ballon d'Or?

Every player dreams of being crowned the king of the evening and leaving London with the Ballon d'Or in their luggage. Organized in the British capital to honor the first winner, Stanley Matthews, in 1956, the ceremony will be hosted by Thierry Henry and journalist Kate Scott. This duo, familiar with European football nights, will have the privilege of announcing the successor to Ousmane Dembélé. For this 70th edition, the suspense remains, as no contender stands out clearly, and each has strengths to showcase.

Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid)

The French prodigy experienced a paradoxical 2025/2026 season. He did not win any team titles, finishing as a quarter-finalist in the Champions League (eliminated by Bayern Munich) and second in Spain (behind FC Barcelona) with Real Madrid. Mbappé also finished just off the podium at the World Cup with the Blues. However, on an individual level, the Bondy native delivered impressive performances, being the Pichichi (top scorer in La Liga) with 25 goals, the top scorer in the Champions League with 15 goals, and the top scorer in the World Cup with 10 goals, thus becoming the all-time leading scorer in the tournament's history with a total of 22 goals. Many goals for Mbappé, and several individual accolades to his name, but no titles with the Madrid club or the national team, a significant blemish on his season. His recent media campaign to sway observers has not necessarily worked in his favor.

Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

Back in London, he aspires to become the first Ballon d'Or winner from Bayern in 45 years, since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981. For many experts, this is Harry Kane's year, as his previous season was spectacular. His main asset? His 73 goals in all competitions for club and country, a record that places him as the second-highest scorer in a season in football history, behind Lionel Messi and his 82 goals in the 2011-2012 season. The current Golden Shoe winner thus has a strong argument, having led his team to win the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the DFL-Supercup. Beyond the statistics, the former Tottenham player stands out for his class on and off the pitch, his ability to involve teammates, and his exceptional goal-scoring sense while contributing to the build-up play. However, in the Champions League with Bayern, Kane saw his journey halted at the gates of the final (eliminated by PSG), and with the Three Lions, he finished the World Cup in third place (victory over France in the third-place match). The lack of major titles could pose a hurdle in his quest for the Ballon d'Or.

Lamine Yamal (Spain, FC Barcelona)

At just 19 years old, he is the most promising player in this competition. Capable of taking on any opponent with his dribbling and ball control, Yamal is an exceptional talent. Winner of the World Cup with La Roja, La Liga, and the Supercopa de España with Barça, the Catalan has collective advantages over Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. With 25 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, reducing Yamal to just his statistics seems limiting given his obvious talent. He is among the players capable of providing joy and igniting the crowds with his dazzling technique. Like Mbappé, the Barcelonian has opted for proactive communication, presenting arguments in his favor. However, his elimination in the Champions League in the quarter-finals (against Atlético de Madrid) and his modest performance at the World Cup (one goal in eight matches) do not work in his favor.

Michael Olise (France, Bayern Munich)

With 34 assists last season in all competitions, the Bayern player set a new record for assists in a season. Olise played a key role in his team's domestic treble and led the Blues to the World Cup semi-finals, finishing the tournament with 7 assists, a record for a single edition, surpassing even Pelé. With 27 goals to his name, the former Palace player shines alongside Harry Kane in Bayern's attack and positions himself as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, a Spanish World Cup champion, and an English champion

Ousmane Dembélé, the defending champion, will undoubtedly have a say against the multitude of contenders wishing to succeed him. His main asset? The Champions League, which he won with PSG, and his ability to be decisive in every European match with his goals in the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final (he converted his penalty against Arsenal). In 40 matches across all competitions, the Frenchman scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists.

His attacking partner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also joins the discussion thanks to his remarkable Champions League campaign where he was the best player with 10 goals and 6 assists in 16 matches played. However, unlike Dembélé, who reached the final stages of the World Cup, "Kvara" did not have the opportunity to play in this competition as his country, Georgia, failed to qualify.

Fabian Ruiz, meanwhile, won the World Cup with Spain as well as the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the UEFA Super Cup with PSG. The collective trophies are his main argument in favor of his candidacy.

Finally, we cannot overlook Declan Rice, a key player in Arsenal's success in the Premier League. At just 22 years old, vice-champion of Europe with the Londoners, he had an exceptional season and can join the race.