Paris Saint-Germain forward, Ousmane Dembele, is now the new favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

Dembele was instrumental for PSG in the Champions League final as he helped his team to beat Arsenal in Budapest.

The France international converted a penalty won by his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the encounter.

Recall that PSG won on penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Dembele also netted three goals against Bayern Munich during the semi-final stage as the Parisians defeated the Bundesliga giants 6-5 on aggregate.

DAILY POST reports that, based on recent performances across Europe’s top five leagues, Dembele is ranked ahead of a mix of established football superstars and rising talents.

Dembele’s teammate, Kvaratskhelia, is another top favourite for the Ballon d’Or, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has seen his chances drop after his team’s elimination from the Champions League a few weeks ago.

The top 7 contenders for 2026 Ballon d’Or:

1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG) – He is the current holder of the Ballon d’Or, having won it last year. The 29-year-old netted 20 goals and provided 12 assists. Won Ligue 1, Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – He scored 65 goals and registered seven assists for Bayern in all competitions. The England captain won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup with Vincent Kompany’s side.

3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) – He scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists for PSG this season. The Georgian won the Ligue 1, Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. He also won a penalty for Luis Enrique’s side in the final

4. Vitinha (PSG) – He scored seven goals and provided 10 assists. The Portugal international was impressive for PSG in the final and won Ligue 1, Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup with the Parisians.

5. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – He scored 25 goals and 20 assists. The Spain international won La Liga and Supercopa de Espana.

6 – Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – He scored 23 goals and provided 33 assists. The France international also won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.

7. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – The France captain scored 48 goals and provided 10 assists for Real Madrid.