REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Paris Saint-Germain and France star Ousmane Dembele has named his top three for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
On 26 October, the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be announced in London, England, marking the prestigious event’s 70th anniversary.
London has been selected to host the ceremony as a tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, who won the first-ever Ballon d’Or award 70 years ago.
In 2025, Dembele took home the illustrious prize, beating Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG midfielder Vitinha. Liverpool star Mohamed Salah came fourth.
Ahead of this year’s event, Dembele recently spoke to France Football and named his top three candidates for the award.
Ballon d'Or Power Rankings
Ballon d'Or Power Rankings
Dembele's Top Three Picks For 2026 Ballon d’Or
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Frenchman named his PSG teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, as well as Bayern Munich star Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.
When asked whether Kvaratskhelia is his top choice, Dembele said: “All mixed up, Kvara, Harry Kane, he had a good season, a very, very good season even.
“And I think Mbappe. I never get into stuff like this; I never vote for me. If I’m the one who speaks, I don’t vote for me.”
Dembele was then asked whether Lionel Messi could be in the running to win his ninth Ballon d’Or.
He replied: “No, I don’t think so, Kvara, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. But there are still plenty of them.
“Michael Olise can be in it because he’s had an incredible season. He finished as the best player in the Bundesliga. Lamine Yamal, Fabian Ruiz and (Willian) Pacho! Hey, let’s not forget that one! I hope we won’t forget him this year, because he deserves it!”
Portugal's speaks Vitinha during a 2026 World Cup press conference
Portugal's speaks Vitinha during a 2026 World Cup press conference
Ousmane Dembele: Ballon d’Or Not ‘Unpredictable’
Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele celebrates with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League
REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
After a stunning season with Bayern and helping England reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, Kane is among the favourites alongside the likes of Yamal, Mbappe, Rodri, Kvaratskhelia and Pau Cubarsi.
While many suggested this year’s award could be unpredictable, holder Dembele rejected those claims.
The 29-year-old explained: “I’ve been told that this year was going to be difficult. For everyone, the Ballon d’Or is a bit unpredictable. But we’ll see; we’ll see what happens.
“I don’t think this trophy is unpredictable; I don’t think so. I think it’s going to stay; it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint Germain player.”
Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor, Pernille Harder, Khadija Shaw and Melchie Dumornay are set to battle it out for the 2026 Ballon d'Or Feminin.