FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - La Liga - Source: Getty
FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - La Liga - Source: Getty
The Ballon d'Or gala is just hours away, and the bottom 10 rankings from the 30 nominees were announced earlier today. Now, France Football have unveiled the 11th to 20th rankings as we edge closer to the ceremony.
Willian Pacho played a key role for PSG last season and has finished 20th this year. He failed to make the top 30 nominees last year, but his impressive form has seen him finish above Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, as well as his PSG teammate Marquinhos.
At number 19 is another PSG star, João Neves, following his midfield dominance. Spain left-back Marc Cucurella finishes 18th this year after his performances last season, with his new Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr coming in 17th.
The Brazilian is back in the top 30 this year, after failing to make the 30 nominees in 2025. He has had a tough start to the 2026/27 season and will need to do more to get back in the race for next year's Ballon d'Or.
FIFA World Cup final scorer Ferran Torres finishes 16th in the rankings, with Arsenal's Declan Rice coming in 15th. Both players won league titles with their clubs last season, and the Spaniard also won the FIFA World Cup.
Two more PSG stars, Vitinha and Achraf Hakimi, rank 14th and 13th respectively in this year's Ballon d'Or rankings. Both players were excellent for the Ligue 1 club but were not at their best at the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Pau Cubarsí made the top 30 nominees for the first time in his career, and he has just missed out on the top 10. The Barcelona star finishes 12th in the rankings and is the highest-ranked defender this year.
The final player to just miss out on the top 10 is Jude Bellingham, who finishes 11th this year. He has climbed up 12 places from 23rd last year.
Marc Cucurella was backed to win the Ballon d'Or
Former Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath boldly backed Marc Cucurella for the Ballon d'Or this year. He claimed that the Spaniard was the best player last season and said:
"He is world-class as a left-back, always there, very strong runner, and almost never loses a duel. He makes his side defensively solid and also gets involved going forward. He played a big role in Spain winning the World Cup"
However, the left-back has finished 18th in the rankings this year.