The 2026 World Cup competitions ended with Spain being crowned champions, but the controversy did not stop, as attention quickly turned to the race to win the Ballon d'Or, awarded by "France Football" magazine on October 26 next, amid strong competition among a number of the world's top stars.
The Spanish newspaper Marca monitored the top five candidates for the award, based on the players' performance with their clubs and national teams during the season, especially since the World Cup often has a significant impact in determining the winner's identity.
Messi.. Exceptional World Cup
Lionel Messi remains one of the top candidates, after leading Argentina to the World Cup final for the second consecutive time, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, becoming the tournament's second top scorer.
Despite the final loss to Spain, the Argentine star, aged 39, delivered one of his best international tournaments, boosting his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or for the ninth time in his career.
Lamine Yamal.. Season of Titles
Lamine Yamal enters the race supported by an outstanding season with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, after contributing to winning the Spanish League and the Super Cup, before leading his country's national team to the World Cup title.
The young player also ended the season with 24 goals and 17 decisive passes with Barcelona, continuing to cement his position as one of the world's top football stars.
Harry Kane.. A Striker Who Never Stops
Harry Kane also has strong chances after an exceptional season with Bayern Munich, scoring 36 goals and winning the Golden Boot at club level, while contributing to the team's double of league and cup titles in Germany.
Internationally, the England national team captain scored 6 goals in the World Cup, achieving a new record in the history of the "Three Lions" in major tournaments.
Rodri.. World Champion Captain
Rodri emerges as one of the strongest candidates after his pivotal role in Spain's World Cup victory, where he was awarded the tournament's best player prize, thanks to his consistent level and ability to control the rhythm of matches.
The midfielder also regained his form with Manchester City after recovering from injury, contributing to the team's return to competition for the English Premier League title.
Mbappé.. Stunning Individual Numbers
Although Real Madrid or the French national team did not win the biggest tournaments, Kylian Mbappé strongly imposed himself in the race thanks to his individual numbers, after being crowned top scorer in the Spanish League, the Champions League, and the Golden Boot in the World Cup.
The French striker also scored the highest number of goals in a single edition of the World Cup, confirming that he was one of the standout stars of the season on an individual level.
The 2026 edition of the Ballon d'Or appears set to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with each candidate possessing a strong file combining individual and collective achievements, making the winner's identity open until the official announcement next October.
