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UPDATED Ballon d’Or Power Rankings: Our top 10 ahead of World Cup Final
We’ve updated our Ballon d’Or power rankings ahead of the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. Here’s who should be leading the race according to our calculations…
With the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina approaching, it’s time to look at who could be in line to win world football’s most coveted individual prize.
Traditionally in a World Cup year, performances on the biggest stage go a long way to determining who will win the Ballon d’Or, although club accolades are of course still very pertinent in the conversation.
LAST WEEK’S RANKINGS: View the top 10 we had before the World Cup semis
Kylian Mbappe ruled out of contention for 2026 Ballon d'Or as World Cup final-bound Lionel Messi puts himself in the mix for ninth Golden Ball
Defeat against Spain has, however, ensured that more international glory will fall agonisingly out of reach. At club level, the 2025-26 campaign delivered
Those issues will work against Mbappe as the grandest of prizes – such as
He has guided the Albiceleste to another World Cup final, netting eight goals of his own, and is looking to successfully defend a title that was secured at Qatar 2022. A ninth Golden Ball could be passed in his direction if another talismanic performance is produced against Spain.
“Even if on a personal level, I thought he had a great season, scored a ridiculous amount of goals and carried the team for most part of the season. So, individually, he's had a fantastic season but, unfortunately, without winning any trophies we know the rules to be a Ballon d'Or. You've got to win, Champions League or World Cup or Euros.
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Messi pulls ahead of Yamal in Ballon d’Or race, with all to play for at World Cup
Bookies, prediction markets make Lionel Messi favourite to claim trophy despite 39-year-old playing in a second-tier domestic competition
Lionel Messi may not play in one of the best domestic competitions, but his performance at the World Cup has made him favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
The Argentinian has raced ahead of rivals Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane by reaching the final, with bookies and prediction markets shortening the odds on him claiming a record-extending ninth trophy for the game’s best player.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal could yet upset the 39-year-old’s apple cart though, with the teenager second favourite and in a position to deny Messi back-to-back World Cup titles.
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