Ousmane Dembele's hopes of retaining the Ballon d'Or have suffered a blow as the Paris Saint-Germain star dropped to second place in the latest power rankings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French international had been leading the race after PSG successfully defended the UEFA Champions League title, but fresh projections from prediction market platform Polymarket now place him behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
Kane Takes the Lead
According to the latest figures, Kane currently leads the race with a 26 percent probability of winning the award, while Dembele has dropped to 23 percent. This shift highlights the intense competition for football's most prestigious individual honor in 2026. Kane's extraordinary season, in which he scored 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, has proven impossible to ignore. Beyond his goal-scoring, the England captain has been praised for his all-round contribution, including creativity, leadership, and finishing, which drove Bayern Munich's domestic success despite their Champions League semi-final exit.
Dembele Remains a Strong Contender
Despite slipping in the rankings, Dembele remains firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation. The French winger endured an injury-disrupted start to the campaign, limiting his impact in the first half of the season. However, his return to fitness in February transformed PSG's season. He played a key role in PSG's Champions League defense, delivering decisive performances against Liverpool and Bayern Munich before scoring in the final against Arsenal. Dembele finished the season with 20 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances, underlining his importance to Luis Enrique's side. His influence in big matches continues to be a strong argument in his favor.
World Cup Could Decide the Winner
With Kane and Dembele occupying the top positions, neither player can afford to relax. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to have a huge impact on the final Ballon d'Or voting, as international success often carries significant weight among voters. France enter the tournament as one of the favorites, and Dembele is expected to be a central figure in Didier Deschamps' plans as Les Bleus aim to erase the disappointment of their 2022 final defeat. England also arrive with high expectations, with Kane leading a talented squad desperate to end a long wait for major international silverware. For now, Kane may hold a slight advantage, but the battle for the Ballon d'Or remains wide open.
Ballon d'Or Ceremony Moving to London
In a related development, the 2026 Ballon d'Or Award ceremony will be held in London, England, moving away from its traditional home at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris. This year's ceremony is symbolic as it marks the 70th anniversary of the award, which began in 1956 and has been presented every year except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
