What does the post-World Cup Ballon d'Or power ranking look like?

This time, things feel different. Spain lifted the trophy in New York, but no obvious favourite has emerged. Some of the tournament's standout performers fell short at club level. Others collected domestic honours but missed out on the biggest international prize. With voting now looming, the race remains unusually open.

DAZN/FIFA

5. Lionel Messi

Getty Images

Even at 39, Messi somehow managed to drag Argentina to another World Cup final. Eight goals and four assists represented another astonishing tournament return, while his influence stretched well beyond the numbers as he orchestrated almost every meaningful attacking move before Argentina eventually fell to Spain in the final.

His domestic form with Inter Miami has remained exceptional, but there is an unavoidable obstacle to his candidacy. Ballon d'Or voters have traditionally placed greater value on performances in Europe's elite competitions than Major League Soccer. Add in a relatively subdued display in the World Cup final and, despite a remarkable campaign, a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or feels unlikely.

4. Kylian Mbappe

Getty Images

No player scored more goals at the World Cup than Mbappe. His haul of ten secured the Golden Boot and also moved him ahead of Messi as the tournament's outright all-time leading scorer, underlining his extraordinary record on football's biggest stage.

His individual numbers for Real Madrid were once again outstanding, yet the lack of major silverware is difficult to ignore. Madrid finished without either La Liga or the Champions League, while France's semi-final exit felt like an underachievement given the attacking talent at Didier Deschamps' disposal. Mbappe strengthened his personal legacy, but perhaps not his Ballon d'Or case.

3. Rodri

(C)Getty Images

Manchester City endured a campaign that fell below the extraordinary standards they have set in recent seasons, and Rodri's club performances reflected that. He remained influential but did not quite reach the imperious heights that won him the award two years ago.

Spain's World Cup triumph changed the conversation. Rodri was magnificent throughout the tournament, dictating matches with his familiar composure before collecting the Golden Ball as the competition's outstanding player. The award carries enormous weight with Ballon d'Or voters and makes him a serious contender despite a relatively modest club campaign.

2. Lamine Yamal

Getty Images

Spain's triumph owed much to Yamal, even if this was not quite the exhilarating version seen for Barcelona throughout the season. Having arrived at the World Cup recovering from a hamstring injury, the teenager occasionally looked short of his explosive best but still produced decisive moments as Spain lifted the trophy.

His club campaign arguably remains the strongest of anyone in contention. He inspired Barcelona to the La Liga title while establishing himself as one of the game's defining talents before his 19th birthday. Had he reached his dazzling domestic level consistently throughout the World Cup, this ranking might look rather different.

1. Harry Kane

@England

The absence of a runaway favourite opens the door for Kane.

England ultimately fell short of World Cup glory, but six goals represented another prolific tournament from the captain, who remained the focal point of Thomas Tuchel's attack throughout. More importantly, his body of work across the entire campaign is almost impossible to overlook.

Seventy goals for Bayern Munich and England across the 2025-26 season is an extraordinary return by any standard.

Add a Bundesliga title to those numbers and Kane possesses the strongest combination of sustained excellence and team success among the leading candidates. He may not have lifted the World Cup, but in the most open Ballon d'Or race for years, consistency across the full season could yet prove decisive.

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

Now the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN: Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

More details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here