The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has kicked off with contrasting strategies, tactical friction, and bold public declarations from football’s elite.
Dembélé Confronts the Microscope
Ousmane Dembélé is learning quickly that holding the Ballon d’Or brings an entirely different level of scrutiny. Speaking to France Football and RMC, the Paris Saint-Germain forward insisted that the intense wave of criticism directed his way does not faze him. Across 40 appearances in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain during the 2025–2026 campaign, Dembélé recorded 20 goals and 11 assists, stepping up particularly in the UEFA Champions League where he scored in every match from the quarter-final second leg onward.
“I don’t care about being criticised, it’s part of the game,” Dembélé told RMC. “You will always be criticised in football, and it increases when you are the holder of the Ballon d’Or.” Early-season injuries required careful management from the coaching staff, but the French international believes his decisive contributions on Europe’s biggest stage justified the faith placed in him.
Surprise Ballots and Tactical Divides
When asked about his picks for the 2026 award, Dembélé offered a surprising selection that bypassed his high-profile peers. Rather than naming himself, the French star pointed toward Paris Saint-Germain teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Georgia as his primary choice. England striker Harry Kane and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé rounded out his top three. Asked directly if he would ever vote for himself, Dembélé was blunt: “No, if I were the one choosing, I would not put myself on the list and I would not vote for myself.”
That stance contrasts sharply with Kylian Mbappé. According to reports, the Real Madrid forward has taken the opposite view, stating openly that if it were up to him, he would cast his vote for himself in the race.
A Wide-Open Field for 2026
France Football has unveiled the official lists of nominees for the upcoming gala, revealing a crowded field that highlights dominance from both club and international competitions. Alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s continental contenders—bolstered by their second Champions League title under manager Luis Enrique—the 30-man men’s shortlist features world champions from Spain such as Lamine Yamal and Rodri, alongside global stars like Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Lionel Messi.
The nominees span multiple leagues and continents, featuring established veterans and rising talents alike:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Rodri (Manchester City / Barcelona)
- Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
What Comes Next
The winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be officially crowned during the annual ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London.
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