The 2026 edition of the Ballon d’Or awards will be the least obvious one in quite some time, with there being no real obvious contender.
While in 2024, Rodri and Vinicius Jr. were the only ones in contention, followed by Ousmane Dembele in 2025, there are at least more than two contenders this year.
However, for La Liga president Javier Tebas, the answer is rather simple: Rodri.
Tebas backs Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or
In a recent interaction, Tebas has backed Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or this year, believing that the midfielder should win it again after his heroics at the 2026 World Cup.
Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or, as per Tebas. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Tebas further believes Rodri deserves the crown despite being out injured for a large part of last season due to an injury.
“Even though he was out for long periods due to injury, the World Cup he played in, he performed at an incredibly high level, incredibly high,” he said (h/t FCB World).
“I think Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or again,” he added.
Rodri was indeed the main point of difference for the Spain team that lifted the World Cup, with the midfielder notably being handed the Golden Ball.
Who are the top contenders?
Yamal will compete with Rodri for the Ballon d’Or this year. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Rodri, though, faces some stern competition in his bid to win the second Ballon d’Or of his career.
While the Spaniard does make a strong case for his World Cup performances, he faces competition from his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal.
Yamal was a key differentiator for Barcelona last season and was a part of the Spanish World Cup squad as well.
Another big contender is Harry Kane, who had a splendid year with Bayern Munich as he helped the team win the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. However, he fell short of the Champions League and the World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe has an outside chance as well after winning the Pichichi trophy last season. But the forward failed to win any major silverware, which might hurt his chances significantly.