Ballon d’Or 2026: Mbappe left outside the top six in latest ranking

Kylian Mbappe has been left outside the top six in the latest Ballon d’Or 2026 picture, despite an extensive campaign to promote his candidacy. The Real Madrid forward has spoken to L’Equipe, AS, The Athletic, RFI and CNN as he seeks the individual award for the first time. The trophy will be presented in London on 26 October.

Mbappe’s case rests heavily on his individual record. The 27-year-old says the Ballon d’Or should focus on the player who performs best on the biggest stages, rather than being decided primarily by collective honours. He finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, according to his latest interview, while also becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer.

The French captain has acknowledged that several players remain in contention, but said he believes this could be his year. He also stressed the significance of his World Cup record, describing it as something he could not have imagined when he was younger. Mbappe said that holding the record at 27 formed part of the history and legacy he wanted to leave in football.

His argument is complicated by the absence of a major team trophy with either Real Madrid or France during the season under consideration. That record contrasts with candidates whose cases include decisive victories or a larger collection of titles. Mbappe’s position outside the top six therefore highlights the tension between individual production and success with club or country.

Rodri has added a different perspective to the debate. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said he wanted a Spanish player to win the 2026 award and pointed out that six Spaniards are included among the 30 nominees. His list is Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsi, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

Rodri presented a separate argument for each teammate. He said Ruiz had won the most titles, while Cubarsi’s achievements at only 19 years old strengthened his case. Torres scored the decisive goal, Rodri was named the tournament’s best player, and Yamal was described by the midfielder as “incredible”. Rodri said each of the six had serious reasons to claim the prize, while accepting that only one player can win.

The Spanish midfielder did not mention Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia when discussing the leading candidates. He did, however, say he understood the media campaigns being conducted by Mbappe and Yamal and regarded it as positive that both players considered themselves the best in the world. Their interviews have made the individual contest more prominent before the final vote.

Rodri also questioned Raphinha’s absence from the 30-player shortlist. The Brazilian joined Barcelona this summer and has particularly impressed his new teammate, who said he was the player who surprised him most by far. Rodri recalled asking how Raphinha had moved from playing on the wing at Leeds, cutting inside and scoring occasionally, to operating as a No. 9. He said he could not understand why the forward was not among the 30 nominees.

The current picture leaves Mbappe needing his individual achievements to overcome the lack of collective silverware and the strength of rival cases. Six Spanish nominees give the competition a clear national angle, while Rodri’s comments underline the range of achievements being considered. Mbappe’s public campaign will continue until the ceremony, but the latest ranking does not place him among the leading six.