The 70th Ballon d'Or award ceremony is scheduled for October 26, 2026, in London, with the race for the prestigious trophy remaining unusually open following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Unlike previous years where the tournament winner frequently produced a clear favorite, the current field lacks a consensus frontrunner as individual performances have fluctuated between club and national team levels.

Key contenders have shifted since the start of the tournament. Players previously tipped for the award, such as Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha, saw their stock fall after early exits or underwhelming performances. Conversely, members of the Spanish squad, which claimed the title in New York, have gained significant momentum, specifically Lamine Yamal and Rodri. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Lionel Messi remains a notable candidate after leading Argentina to the final with a personal tally of eight goals and four assists during the competition.

While historical precedents like Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 or Luka Modric in 2018 highlight the World Cup's influence on the voting, the lack of a dominant candidate suggests a highly competitive selection process this year. The football community now awaits the final voting results as the ceremony date approaches.