The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is underway at London’s Palladium Theatre, where footballers, journalists and other guests have gathered for the 70th edition of the prestigious awards.
The ceremony marks the first time the gala has been staged outside Paris. Sports broadcaster Kate Scott and French football legend Thierry Henry are hosting the event.
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England captain Harry Kane, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé are among the leading contenders for the men’s award, which recognises the best individual performer over the 2025-26 season.
France international Ousmane Dembélé won the 2025 award, finishing ahead of Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Vitinha.
The final rankings are being announced throughout Monday’s ceremony, with the countdown moving from the lower positions towards the winner.
Ballon d’Or 2026 – Top 30 men’s rankings revealed
29. Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr)
29. William Saliba (Arsenal)
28. Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah)
27. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
26. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
25. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
24. Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)
23. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
22. Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
21. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
20. Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)
19. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
18. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid)
17. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
16. Ferran Torres (Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain)
15. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
14. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
13. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
12. Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
11. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
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