2026 Ballon d’Or: Who Is the Favourite to Win? Meet the Last Five Winners
Harry Kane leads the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or after a prolific season with Bayern Munich, but Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal remain among the leading contenders ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London.
Harry Kane has emerged as the favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the Bayern Munich striker seeking the first individual award of his career.
The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern during the 2025/26 season, helping the German club win domestic honours. He also scored six goals for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, strengthening his credentials for football’s most prestigious individual award.
However, Kane faces competition from Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal. The winner will be announced at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, 2026.
As the football world awaits the announcement, here is a look at the five most recent winners of the men’s Ballon d’Or.
Ballon d’Or Winners From 2021 to 2025
1. Ousmane Dembélé (2025)
Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward played a major role in PSG’s successful season, which included their first UEFA Champions League title.
His performances represented a remarkable high point in a career previously affected by injuries and inconsistent spells. Winning the award placed him among the elite players in world football.
Dembélé returns to the 2026 ceremony as the defending champion.
2. Rodri (2024)
Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after helping his club maintain its position among Europe’s leading teams and playing a central role in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024.
Known for his composure, passing and ability to control matches from midfield, Rodri became the first Manchester City player to win the men’s award.
His victory also highlighted the importance of midfield influence, rather than goals alone, in the Ballon d’Or debate.
3. Lionel Messi (2023)
Messi claimed his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023, extending his record as the award’s most successful recipient.
His selection followed Argentina’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained the national team and delivered a series of influential performances.
At the time of the award, Messi was playing for Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. His World Cup triumph was central to his case for another Ballon d’Or.
4. Karim Benzema (2022)
Benzema won the 2022 Ballon d’Or after leading Real Madrid to the Champions League and La Liga titles.
The French striker scored crucial goals throughout the Champions League campaign, including decisive performances against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
His award recognised years of consistent performances, leadership and an exceptional season in which he became the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack.
5. Lionel Messi (2021)
Messi won the 2021 Ballon d’Or after a year that included his first major international trophy with Argentina.
He helped his country win the Copa América, finishing as one of the tournament’s standout players. He also continued to deliver strong individual performances for Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
The victory gave Messi his seventh Ballon d’Or at the time, further extending his record.
When Will the 2026 Winner Be Announced?
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on Monday, October 26, at the London Palladium. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. British time, which is also 8 p.m. in Nigeria.
Kane enters the ceremony as the bookmakers’ favourite, but the final result will be determined by the award’s voting process. Until the official announcement, he remains the leading contender rather than the confirmed winner.