Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has named seven players he believes can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The former winner highlighted a group featuring World Cup champions, record-breaking goalscorers and the current holder of the award.
Figo pointed to Spain's Rodri and Lamine Yamal, France's Kylian Mbappé, Argentina's Lionel Messi, England's Harry Kane, and Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise as the standout candidates. "In my opinion, there are three or four favourites to win the Ballon d'Or," Figo said. "A Spaniard for having won the World Cup, such as Lamine Yamal or Rodri."
The World Cup influence
The 2026 World Cup, held earlier this year, has heavily shaped the conversation. Figo noted that Mbappé and Messi were "also very good" during the tournament. Mbappé won the Golden Boot with ten goals, while 39-year-old Messi scored eight times and provided four assists as Argentina reached the final, earning the Silver Ball award. Rodri's role was equally decisive; the midfielder returned from injury to help Spain lift the trophy and was named the tournament's best player, winning the Golden Ball.
Club success weighs heavily
Individual brilliance at club level forms the other pillar of a strong candidacy. Figo mentioned Dembélé, "for example, could also be among the favourites" after playing a key role in PSG's UEFA Champions League triumph. Harry Kane's phenomenal goalscoring season for Bayern Munich, where he netted 73 times, and Michael Olise's creative explosion with 35 assists for the German champions also earned them a place on Figo's shortlist. The Portuguese icon concluded that all seven players had enjoyed "a fantastic season."
The award, which honours the best footballer of the year, is expected to be presented later this autumn. The wide-open field reflects a season where international and club success was spread across multiple stars, making the 2026 vote one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Notts County return to League One action on Saturday, 10 October, with a home fixture against Oxford United.
First reported at sustainhealth.fit
