Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: Arsenal's Gabriel Emerges as a Contender
Gabriel Magalhães from Arsenal is positioning himself as a potential candidate to win the Ballon d’Or, a title usually unattainable for defenders. Can he break the trend?
A defender is unlikely to claim the Ballon d’Or this season, and that may be justifiable. Scoring consistently is one of the most difficult feats in football, and with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane leading the charge, they remain the favorites for the 2025-26 season.
The lack of defender victories in the Ballon d’Or, even since its inception in 1956, reflects football’s evolving culture, particularly during the Messi-Ronaldo era. Exceptional defenders have historically found it challenging to win accolades, with only a few having received such recognition, including coach Lev Yashin (1963), Franz Beckenbauer (1972, 1976), Matthias Sammer (1996), and Fabio Cannavaro (2006).
For a defender to secure this prestigious title, extraordinary performance on the field must coincide with outstanding team success. Current standout, Gabriel Magalhães, exemplifies this potential with his performances for Arsenal, establishing himself as a crucial defender. Recent statistics have shown that Gabriel has contributed significantly in goals from set-pieces, enhancing his team’s performances.
To be a viable Ballon d’Or contender, Gabriel must not only elevate his personal performance but also drive his team to victory in the Premier League and Champions League while maintaining a strong defensive record.
Ballon d’Or power rankings
A quick reminder: participation matters. Key players like Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele found themselves down the ranks after missing crucial minutes in earlier matches. The current leading candidates are:
- Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France (–)
- Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway (–)
- Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England (–)
- Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain (+3)
- Michael Olise, France and Bayern Munich (–)
- Pedri, Barcelona and Spain (-2)
- Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal and Brazil (NR)
- Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid and Brazil (–)
- Vitinha, PSG and Portugal (new entry)
- Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England (–)
Note: The rankings reflect current performances and team dynamics. Only the upcoming matches will determine the true contenders.
