With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo era now behind us, the Ballon d'Or race is wider open than it has been in nearly 20 years. A host of elite players are starting the season believing the game's most prestigious individual prize is within reach.
Ousmane Dembele claimed the 2025 Golden Ball after leading Paris Saint-Germain to their first Champions League title, proving how much the competition still influences voting. As the 2026 race takes shape, the Champions League will once again play a major role.
This campaign is made even more intriguing by the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, giving players the chance to impress on club and international stages. The Ballon d'Or is a marathon, not a sprint
