Kane, Yamal, Putellas or Pajor – who will win the Ballon d’Or?

On Monday evening, the Ballon d’Or 2025/26 will be awarded for the 70th time, crowning the best male footballer and the best female footballer of the season. DER STANDARD presents arguments for five women – including Alexia Putellas and Pajor – and five men, among them Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal.

Male candidates in focus

The shortlist features thirty men each, whose selection depends on goals, titles and outstanding performances. Harry Kane has scored 73 goals in 65 matches – a figure only Lionel Messi surpassed in the 2011/12 season. However, his chances are clouded by Bayern’s semi‑final in the Champions League and the England‑team at the World Cup, even though Germany won the domestic triple.

Lamine Yamal, a 19‑year‑old winger of FC Barcelona, has contributed 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances. For the Spanish national team he played 615 of a possible 750 minutes at the World Cup, but a title has so far eluded him. His presence created space for teammates, although he did not deliver an outstanding performance outside Spain.

Kylian Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season and provided seven assists. He was top scorer both in the Spanish league and in the Champions League and netted ten times in the World Cup semi‑final, becoming the tournament’s record scorer. Nevertheless, he lacks both club and national team titles.

Rodri, who already won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, was named the best player of the World Cup despite not scoring a goal himself. Since the summer he has been playing for FC Barcelona, controlling the midfield and leading Spain to the Euro title in 2024. A cruciate ligament rupture forced him to return only in January, and he featured in just 33 league matches for Manchester City during the season.

Female candidates at a glance

For the women, thirty players also appear on the list, with titles, goals and major performances being decisive. Alexia Putellas, multiple Ballon d’Or winner, is mentioned together with Pajor as one of the five favorites. Both benefit from their successes at club and international level.

The Ballon d’Or selection considers not only individual statistics but also the accumulated titles and the significance of major moments in world football. The official publication, which appears 73 times between August 2025 and July 2026, illustrates the prize’s global attention. The golden ball will be decided on Monday evening by the votes of journalists.

Whoever carries the golden ball home ultimately decides based on a combination of personal brilliance and team success. The photo by Alain (IMAGO/Apaydin) accompanies the coverage and rounds off the prestigious evening.