The 2026 World Cup has completely changed the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Rodri and Lamine Yamal might each have a very strong case to be considered the frontrunner after helping Spain win the World Cup. The Manchester City defensive midfielder, who already won the Golden Ball before, and the Barcelona winger were likely among the contenders before the tournament, but lifting the biggest trophy in international football has significantly strengthened their respective cases.
However, Yamal and Rodri are
far from the only players in the conversation.
Ousmane Dembélé remains a major contender after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain, while Kylian Mbappé continues to be one of the biggest names in the race. Lionel Messi will also get consideration after leading Argentina to another deep World Cup run.
Then there is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who enjoyed an impressive campaign with PSG and could be in the conversation alongside his club teammate Dembélé. Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jude Bellingham are also players who cannot be ruled out.
The World Cup often has a major influence on the Ballon d’Or race, and Spain’s triumph could prove decisive for someone like Rodri or Yamal. However, with so many elite players having outstanding seasons, the 2026 race could be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
So, after Spain’s World Cup triumph, who is your frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Rodri? Yamal? Kane? Dembélé? Mbappé? Olise? Messi? Kvaratskhelia? Haaland? Olise? Bellingham? Or is there another player who deserves to be at the top of the conversation?
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