Next Five Ballon d’Or Winners Revealed: The Rising Stars Set to Spark a New Messi vs Ronaldo Rivalry
Looking at recent history, it’s notable that many recent winners of the Ballon d’Or have been newcomers to the top spot.
Here are five players who could potentially be the next to join the ranks of first-time champions, following in the footsteps of players like Benzema, Rodri, and Dembele.
Interestingly, only one of these rising stars currently plies their trade in the English Premier League. Another one has experience there but may have been forgotten.
5. Vitinha (Defensive-Midfielder)
Team: PSG
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“In my opinion, he’s the finest central player on the planet right now, and I fully expect him to be awarded the next prestigious Golden Ball trophy.”
While Thomas Frank’s comments might have been a way to boost his own spirits – perhaps overlooking a defensive lapse from Vitinha that led to a goal against PSG in a chaotic match.
The irony would be substantial if a player Wolves deemed unworthy after a lackluster loan spell ended up claiming football’s highest individual honour in the very same year they were relegated from the Premier League.
4. Jude Bellingham (Attacking-Midfielder)
Team: Real Madrid
What higher achievement could a polarizing individualist desire and attain?
It would be an incredible story if Bellingham were to win, but that would almost certainly depend on a successful World Cup performance from someone whose spot on the England team is supposedly in danger.
However, thinking about the future beyond 2026, it’s completely believable that Bellingham, a remarkably talented player for two of the most prominent club and national teams, will eventually secure an individual prize that he would undoubtedly cherish above all else, even his Birmingham City U15/16 Goal of the Season award from 2018.
Imagine the significance of such an accomplishment for a prominent black player, whose success is a challenge some are unwilling to accept.
3. Estevao (Left-Winger)
Team: Chelsea
Palmeiras stands to gain financially in eight separate instances if Estevao ever secures the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
Chelsea is contractually obligated to compensate the Brazilian club should the young attacker be recognized as the globe’s top footballer before 2033, a scenario they would undoubtedly welcome.
This agreement remains valid throughout Estevao’s current contract with Chelsea, which is set to conclude shortly after his 26th birthday.
However, the Chelsea ownership is likely considering a much longer extension, potentially a 20-year agreement, especially after his outstanding performance against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Estevao has openly stated that winning the Ballon d’Or is his second-highest aspiration, surpassed only by winning the World Cup.
With his place seemingly secured in the Brazilian national team’s starting lineup, he could potentially achieve both objectives simultaneously. Regardless, his career trajectory seems inextricably linked to the Ballon d’Or.
Furthermore, we, as fans and observers, are likely destined to spend considerable time debating whether Estevao and Yamal will become the next generation’s equivalents of Messi and Ronaldo.
2. Lamine Yamal (Left-Winger)
Team: Barcelona
Even though Ousmane Dembele narrowly beat the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or contender in 2025, Lamine Yamal still has two more chances to surpass Ronaldo’s record as the youngest recipient of the prestigious award.
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, expressed his belief that Yamal would have secured the win had he been older than 23, an opinion that highlighted Tebas’ occasionally unusual pronouncements.
However, Tebas also acknowledged Yamal’s potential, stating that if the Barcelona player maintains his current high level of performance, winning the Ballon d’Or seems practically guaranteed.
This outcome is entirely plausible for a player who has already shattered numerous records, even though he hasn’t managed to replicate Marc Cucurella’s distinctive hairstyle.
1. Kylian Mbappe (Striker)
Team: Real Madrid
Looking to potentially surpass Ousmane Dembele as the top contender, Mbappe is excellently positioned to prove his worth.
His current form boasts an impressive 27 goals in 22 appearances this season, with a remarkable 58 goals scored in as many matches this year.
Furthermore, he stands a very real chance of securing victories in the World Cup, Champions League, and La Liga before the voting process begins.
Mbappe has consistently been a Ballon d’Or nominee since his emergence onto the scene in 2017, consistently placing between 3rd and 9th.
However, even he acknowledges that in a year dominated by international competitions, one particular trophy holds significant weight.
He previously stated, “Immediately after the 2022 World Cup final, I understood that Messi would win the Ballon d’Or. Winning the World Cup truly sets you apart.”
Considering his extraordinary World Cup achievements, especially for someone only 26 years old, he presents a formidable challenge to anyone aiming to deny him the prestigiousaward.
