Goal updates top-20 candidates for the «Ballon d'Or» after the final
According to Championat.
Context
Lionel Messi, who rose to third place on the list of candidates for the 'Ballon d'Or', continues to be a central figure in football, even after his transfer to Inter Miami. His experience and skill in decisive moments, demonstrated in the 2026 World Cup, reinforce his relevance in the discussion about the best players in history.
Why this matters
The Spanish team's victory in the 2026 World Cup final not only solidified its position in world football, but also had a significant impact on the candidates for the 'Golden Ball' award. The inclusion of players like Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi among the main candidates reflects the quality and competitiveness that the tournament brought, highlighting the importance of individual performances in major competitions.
Main conclusions
- Goal updates top-20 candidates for the «Ballon d'Or» after the final.
- Goal updated the list of candidates for the «Ballon d'Or» award after the 2026 World Cup final, highlighting Messi in third place.
- Goal обновил топ-20 претендентов на «Золотой мяч» после финала ЧМ, Месси — в топ-3.
The Goal portal released an updated list of the 20 main candidates for the «Golden Ball» award after the 2026 World Cup final, where the Spanish team won the title, defeating Argentina 1-0. This update reflects players' performance throughout the season, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup.
Currently, the big favorite to win the trophy is Harry Kane, the forward for the English national team and Bayern Munich. Kane has been impressing with his finishing ability and leadership on the field, standing out not only in the Bundesliga, but also in international competition. The young talent of the Spanish national team, Lamine Yamal, who also had an excellent campaign, is considered Kane's main competitor.
Lionel Messi, who was part of the Argentine national team and who is often mentioned in conversations about the best players in history, moved up to third on the list. His experience and ability in decisive moments continue to be admired, even after his transfer to Inter Miami.
The complete list of 20 candidates for the «Ballon d'Or» according to the Goal portal is as follows:
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
- Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG, Georgia)
- Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain)
- Luis Díaz (Bayern Munich, Colombia)
- Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad, Spain)
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco)
- Fabián Ruiz (PSG, Spain)
- David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
- Lautaro Martínez (Inter, Argentina)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England).
The list reflects not only the talent of the players, but also the impact they have had on their teams, both at club and national team level. The «Golden Ball» award continues to be one of the greatest distinctions a player can receive, and the competition this year promises to be intense, with several players having had memorable campaigns.
What happens next
With the updated list of candidates for the 'Ballon d'Or', attention now turns to the performance of the players in their respective leagues and international competitions. The season is progressing and the impact of performances at the 2026 World Cup could influence voters' decisions, especially with players like Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal being closely watched.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina?
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final.
Who is the main candidate for the «Golden Ball» award after the World Cup final?
Harry Kane is the big favorite to win the «Ballon d'Or» trophy.
Where is Lionel Messi on the list of candidates for the «Ballon d'Or»?
Lionel Messi occupies third place on the list of candidates for the «Ballon d'Or».
What is the impact of Spain's victory on the World Cup table?
Spain's victory in the 2026 World Cup final guarantees them the title of champions.
When will the next relevant tournament be after the
World Cup 2026?
The next relevant tournament will be the 2026 World Cup.