Harry Kane Getty Images December 26, 2025, 00:50

The authoritative sports publication Goal.com published a fresh version of the rating of favorites in the fight for the Golden Ball of the 2025/26 season.

After the end of the autumn part of the European championships, the striker of Bayern Munich Harry Kane rose to the first step, whose phenomenal performance makes him the main contender for the award.

The current rating reflects the dominance of experienced scorers, but young talents are already breathing down their backs:

1. Harry Kane (Bayern): Thanks to an incredible run of goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League, the Englishman has finally earned the status of the No. 1 favorite.

2. Erling Holland (Manchester City): The Norwegian continues to score consistently in the EPL, holding the second position.

3. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): The leader of the cream rounds off the trio, remaining the main media and game figure of the Spanish giants.

It is also worth noting the presence of Lionel Messi in the 9th place – even playing in the MLS, the Argentine retains his influence on the world ranking.

The rating takes into account both the individual performance of the players and the success of their clubs and national teams.

The complete list of TOP-10 according to Goal:

1. Harry Kane

2. Erling Holland

3. Kylian Mbappe

4. Lamine Yamal

5. Declan Rice

6. Vitinya

7. Michael Olise

8. Luis Diaz

9. Lionel Messi

10. Ashraf Hakimi

This list is only an interim one, because the results of the spring stages of the European Cups and the 2026 World Cup will be decisive for the winner of the Golden Ball.