Spain midfielder Rodri has emerged as the clear favourite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following his Golden Ball award at the World Cup, according to the latest power rankings.
The Manchester City player’s performances helped Spain claim the tournament title, with 122 line-breaking passes across eight appearances — the highest figure since Xabi Alonso in 2010. Having already secured the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the Champions League and the European Championship, Rodri now belongs to an exclusive group of only four male players to have won all four major honours.
The shake-up has seen previous frontrunners Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé slip in the standings after England and France failed to reach the final. Kane scored six goals but lacked a finalist’s platform, while Mbappé took the Golden Boot yet acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the decisive match.
“I would have preferred not to be the top scorer and to have played in the final,” Mbappé said.
Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi remain in contention. The 19-year-old Barcelona forward became the first player to feature in both a Euros and World Cup final before turning 20, contributing decisively despite limited goals. Messi, chasing a record eighth award at 39, scored in consecutive matches early in the tournament and produced performances that defied his age.
The updated rankings place Rodri first, followed by Kane, Mbappé, Yamal and Messi. The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London.
