With the 2026 World Cup now over, the conversations have moved not only to the new football season, but the Ballon d’Or awards.
The organizers have already confirmed that the winner will be announced during a gala on Monday, October 26.
A lot of names have been thrown in the mix, with a new name likely to be handed the prize at the event.
DAILY POST has now compiled its power rankings of the top 10 players that should be in the running.
1. Lamine Yamal: Many observers believe Yamal has jumped to the front of the queue, after Spain became world champions. At 19 years, the Barcelona forward could become the youngest ever recipient of the award, after a successful year with club and country.
2. Lionel Messi: There is still a big chance that Messi ends up with his ninth Ballon d’Or award. At 39 years, the Argentina captain almost led his country to a successive World Cup title, while pulling up impressive numbers for both goals and assists.
3. Kylian Mbappe: Although France left the tournament with nothing, Mbappe did his personal brand no damage. The Real Madrid forward finished with 10 goals and is now the player with the most ever World Cup goals. Thiis is in addition with his Pichichi award from LaLiga.
4. Harry Kane: No footballer in the world scored more club goals during the 2025–26 season than Kane. The England captain found the back of the net a staggering 61 for Bayern Munich,
