The Ballon d’Or picture looks very different after the Champions League semi finals. A few weeks ago, Harry Kane appeared to be leading the race comfortably, but European football has once again changed the conversation.
PSG’s run to the Champions League final has pushed Ousmane Dembélé to the top of the latest rankings, while several other stars have strengthened their cases after impressive performances during the business end of the season.
Here’s a look at the updated top five favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Ousmane Dembele – 22%
Ousmane Dembele has become the new frontrunner after PSG booked their place in the Champions League final. The French winger has been one of the standout performers of the knockout rounds and continues to deliver in the biggest moments.
For years, injuries and inconsistency stopped Dembele from fully reaching his potential. This season feels different. He has stayed fit, looked sharper than ever, and become one of PSG’s most important players.
With major contributions in Europe and strong domestic form as well, he now has real momentum behind him heading into the final stretch of the season.
🚨BREAKING NEW BALLON D'OR RANKING
Dembele 1st ⭐ pic.twitter.com/rewL8glULH
— 𝐏𝐒𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐓 (@PSGINT_) May 6, 2026
Read More
Harry Kane – 19%
Harry Kane drops to second place, but his season has still been outstanding. The Bayern Munich striker has once again scored goals at an incredible rate and remains one of the most complete forwards in football. However, Bayern’s Champions League exit may end up hurting his Ballon d’Or chances more than his numbers can help them.
These awards are often shaped by big European nights, and despite Kane continuing to perform individually, missing out on a Champions League final has slightly shifted the spotlight elsewhere.
Declan Rice – 11%
Declan Rice’s rise in the rankings says everything about the season he is having with Arsenal. The midfielder has been central to Arsenal’s run in Europe and has delivered several huge performances during the knockout stages. Beyond the defensive work, Rice has also shown more confidence on the ball and stepped up in important moments offensively.
If Arsenal finish the season with silverware, his place in the Ballon d’Or discussion will become even stronger.
Kylian Mbappé – 10%
Kylian Mbappé remains close to the leading group despite Real Madrid’s disappointing Champions League campaign.
Even when Madrid struggled collectively, Mbappé still produced goals and moments of quality throughout the season. Players of his level are never far away from the Ballon d’Or conversation, especially with the World Cup still ahead later this year. One strong international tournament could completely change the race again.
Lamine Yamal – 9%
Lamine Yamal continues to rise faster than almost anyone expected. The Barcelona teenager has already become one of the most exciting attacking players in Europe and keeps producing mature performances well beyond his age. His confidence in big matches and ability to influence games against elite opposition have impressed fans and pundits alike.
Even being mentioned among Ballon d’Or contenders at this stage of his career shows just how special his talent is becoming.
