Ballon d’Or 2026: the five favorites to win the crown
Driven by a dazzling season with PSG and decisive performances in the Champions League, Ousmane Dembélé is emerging as the clear favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The French winger now leads ahead of several European superstars, including Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Lamine Yamal.
Having had an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, Ousmane Dembélé is now the clear favorite for the Ballon d’Or 2026. Fueled by his decisive performances on the European stage, the Parisian winger has taken a new step as the capital club prepares to play the Champions League final against Arsenal. At 28, the French international is in the best form of his career. Brilliant in the two-legged tie against Bayern Munich, he scored three goals in a spectacular semi-final won by PSG over the two legs (6-5).
Already crowned French champions, the Paris club is also well positioned to defend its national title. This momentum further strengthens Dembélé’s bid, as he pursues a second consecutive Ballon d’Or. According to current trends and bookmakers’ indicators, the Frenchman leads ahead of several major European football stars as well as the young phenoms of the moment.
His teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also among the leading contenders for the trophy. By contrast, Harry Kane’s chances have diminished after Bayern’s elimination, while Kylian Mbappé remains in the race despite a more uneven season with Real Madrid.
The five leading favorites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or :
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
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