Competition for Ballon d'Or 2026 is more open than ever. After a season full of emotions and a World Cup that changed the balance, there is still no absolute favorite for the most prestigious individual trophy in football.

Among the main candidates remains Lionel Messi, who once again showed class and influence on the international stage. However, the competition is stronger than ever. If Argentina were to triumph in the World Cup, then the "flea" would be the undisputed "Ballon d'Or", but with the success of Spain things change.

Rodri remains another serious contender, thanks to a brilliant season and a decisive role both with club and on the international stage. Meanwhile, names like Kylian Mbappé and young talent Lamine Yamal continue to gain ground with their impressive performances, while Fabián Ruiz has also strengthened his candidacy after high-level performances.

Despite the fact that Kylian Mbappe did not win any trophies with either France or Real Madrid, the French striker still remains one of the main candidates, due to the fact that he remains the only player since Portuguese striker Eusebio in the mid-60s to top the list of scorers in the World Cup, Champions League, and in the respective championship, in this case La Liga.

Analysts are divided and predictions remain difficult. For the first time in many years, there is no single name that clearly dominates the race for the Ballon d'Or. Voters will have to carefully weigh the collective successes, individual statistics and the impact each player has had in crucial moments of the season.

It is precisely this uncertainty that makes this year's edition one of the most interesting of the decade, with the winner expected to be revealed only at the gala awards night.