DAILY POST ranks top 10 Ballon d’Or 2026 contenders led by Yamal, Messi, Mbappe

DAILY POST released its power rankings for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on July 22, ranking the ten players most likely to win football’s top individual award after the recent World Cup. The list puts teenage Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal at the top, citing his role in Spain’s world‑title win and his chance to become the youngest ever winner. Lionel Messi, now 39, follows after nearly leading Argentina to a repeat World Cup triumph and posting strong goal‑and‑assist numbers. Kylian Mbappe, despite France’s early exit, leads the tournament’s scoring chart with ten goals and also won LaLiga’s Pichichi. Harry Kane heads the list after scoring a record 61 club goals for Bayern Munich, while Ousmane Dembele aims for a back‑to‑back win after helping PSG retain Ligue 1 and the Champions League with 20 goals. Erling Haaland contributed seven World Cup goals and 38 for Manchester City, Rodri earned the World Cup’s best‑player award and could repeat his 2024 triumph, Jude Bellingham drove England’s semifinal run with seven goals, Michael Olise topped the World Cup assist chart and added 22 goals and 31 assists for Bayern, and Declan Rice was a key, injury‑hindered presence for Arsenal’s title‑winning side and England’s midfield.

The award will be announced at a gala on Monday, October 26, 2026. Knowing the frontrunners lets fans track form, debate merits, and understand how World Cup performances shape the race.

Which player’s season so far convinces you they deserve the 2026 Ballon d’Or, and what would change your mind?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/22/2026-ballon-dor-power-rankings-reveals-top-10-players-to-win-award/