The Ballon d’Or gala is just hours away, and France Football have announced the bottom 10-ranked players among the 30 nominees. These players received the fewest votes from the international panel of journalists, with one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.

Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mané and Arsenal defender William Saliba are joint 29th in this year’s ranking. Both players had a stunning 2025/26 season, winning the league title with their respective clubs.

Mexican star Julián Quiñones ranks one place above the aforementioned duo, just behind Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano was at his best last season, and his club and country performances saw him finish 26th this year.

Marquinhos captained PSG to another UEFA Champions League win, but could not showcase his magic with Brazil at the FIFA World Cup. He finished 25th in the rankings this year, after failing to make the Top 30 last year.

Bayern Munich have another representative in the rankings, with Luis Díaz taking the 24th spot. The winger finished just behind Nuno Mendes, who has fallen 13 spots this year after finishing 10th in 2025.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez was again their star player last season, and his strong performances at the FIFA World Cup saw him finish 22nd. He too has fallen two spots, after finishing 20th last year.

Gabriel Magalhães was a rock at the back for Arsenal last season as they ended their Premier League title drought. He is a surprise name in the bottom 10 this year, and finished 21st in the 2026 ranking.

Who will win the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are the top names touted to win the Ballon d’Or this year, but Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany believes it should be his striker, Harry Kane. He pointed to the Englishman’s performances and goal tally for club and country last season as the key reason and said:

“What made Harry happy the most in recent years is that he finally won his first team trophies here. Now if he can crown his career or his season with the Ballon d’Or, that would be deserved for the way he plays for the team.”

Harry Kane has been named a potential winner this year after France Football published three articles today naming him, Mbappé, and Yamal as potential winners. They have indirectly confirmed the top three this year, hours before the gala.