Ballon d'Or 2027 Power Rankings: Yamal and Mbappe Challenge Reigning Champion Kane
The contest for the 2027 Ballon d'Or is already underway, just months after Harry Kane claimed the 2026 award. With no major international tournaments on the horizon, the battle for football's most coveted individual prize will unfold mainly through club performances, particularly in the Champions League.
Kane's victory in 2026 ended a period without repeat winners since 2021, but holding onto the crown will be tough as many top players believe they can claim the top spot. Below are the current Power Rankings tracking the contenders' progress.
10. Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 Stats: Four goals, six assists
- Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner
Dembele, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2025, has remained among the top 10 contenders. Despite being sidelined with injury recently, his strong Champions League showings signal he could push hard in the second half of the season, especially as PSG cope with the loss of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
9. Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- 2026-27 Stats: One goal, four assists
- Trophies: Community Shield winner
Although Arsenal lifted the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, Rice only managed 15th place in last year's Ballon d'Or. Arsenal’s team-oriented style might explain this, yet Rice continues to shine in big matches, including an excellent performance against Bayern Munich in Europe.
8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- 2026-27 Stats: 16 goals
Haaland remains a scoring machine despite Manchester City's off-field issues related to financial rules. The possibility of relegation is unprecedented for a Ballon d'Or candidate, but if City focus more on the Champions League, Haaland could boost his chances by helping them chase European glory.
7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 Stats: Four goals, one assist
- Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner
Vitinha continues to set the benchmark for midfielders worldwide. His key role in PSG's consecutive Champions League wins and stunning long-range goals against Man City and Barcelona point to another potential podium finish for the Portugal star.
6. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- 2026-27 Stats: 14 goals, eight assists
- Trophies: DFL-Supercup winner
Olise's ninth-place finish in 2026 surprised some, considering his breakout season. He remains a consistent threat for both Bayern and France, and with continued form, could secure a higher ranking in upcoming years despite stiff competition even within his club.
5. Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2026-27 Stats: Five goals, six assists
- Trophies: UEFA Super Cup winner
After being overlooked for the 2026 shortlist, Doue responded strongly early in this season. His brilliance in Champions League matches against Man City and Barcelona shows he could fill the gap left by the injured Kvaratskhelia and become PSG's leading figure in the knockout stages.
4. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- 2026-27 Stats: 16 goals, nine assists
- Trophies: DFL-Supercup winner
Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or at age 33, remains a potent force. His all-around skills were on full display against Arsenal in the Champions League, and further performances like that could see him become the first player since Messi in 2021 to win consecutive Golden Balls.
3. Raphinha (Barcelona)
- 2026-27 Stats: 16 goals, four assists
Raphinha’s exclusion from the 2026 shortlist was debated, but he turned that into motivation. Playing centrally after Lewandowski's departure, he thrives under Hansi Flick’s system, making him a likely contender for the 2027 award.
2. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
- 2026-27 Stats: 15 goals, three assists
Mbappe was tipped to win the Ballon d'Or early in his career but is yet to claim it. Finishing second in 2026, he looks set to challenge again after a brace in El Clasico hinted at better chemistry with Jose Mourinho, aiming to restore Real Madrid’s trophy cabinet.
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
- 2026-27 Stats: 12 goals, seven assists
The young Barcelona winger, not yet 20, has already stood on the Ballon d'Or podium twice. His dazzling dribbling and quick footwork have made him a nightmare for defenders early in the season, earning him the bookmakers’ early favorite status for 2027.
