We take a closer look at the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after missing out on the top five in the 2025 edition of football’s most prestigious individual prize.
Over the last decade, Manchester City have transformed into one of the world’s dominant forces, moving from signing promising mid-level players to acquiring and developing some of the biggest football stars on the planet. Under Pep Guardiola, who took charge in 2016, City have won multiple domestic and international trophies while setting new standards for consistency, dominance, and style of play.
That success has not only elevated the club’s standing in global football but has also ensured that their players are frequently in contention for major individual honours, including the Ballon d’Or.
In 2023, Erling Haaland emerged as the favourite for the Ballon d’Or following his remarkable debut season at the Etihad. The Norwegian striker shattered records across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, producing performances that made him one of the most talked-about players in the world. Yet, despite his exploits, Lionel Messi claimed the 2023 Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. Haaland finished second but remained full of pride and optimism about what the future might hold for him and the club.
That optimism proved well-founded. In 2024, Manchester City finally celebrated their first Ballon d’Or winner when Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, better known as Rodri, won the world’s best player. He played a pivotal role in helping Spain win Euro 2024 while maintaining an unbeaten run of more than 70 matches for City. His control, consistency, and impact earned him the prize ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.
However, 2025 was a different story. Ousmane Dembélé won the Ballon d’Or after a stellar season, and the only City player who broke into the top ten was Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper, who had joined City after starring for Paris Saint-Germain, finished ninth largely due to his key role in PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph. Donnarumma also collected the 2025 Yashin Trophy as the world’s best goalkeeper.
No Manchester City player came close to winning the award this year, but 2026 represents a fresh chance. Below, we examine the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, given the right combination of individual brilliance and collective silverware.
Phil Foden: English Brightest Hope
Phil Foden is firmly among the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The England international has been hailed for years as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation. At 26 years old by the time of the award, Foden is expected to be entering his peak, combining maturity with the flair that made him a standout talent as a teenager.
His technical quality, vision, and ability to influence big games have already been recognised at the highest levels. Back in February 2024, after Foden scored a stunning hat-trick against Brentford. Manager Thomas Frank described him as the English best chance of having a future Ballon d’Or winner. That performance wasn’t just about goals; it was a complete display of dribbling, link-up play, and creativity.
Former Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has also spoken highly of Foden, claiming that he reminds him of the legendary Andrés Iniesta. To be compared with one of the greatest midfielders in history underlines the scope of Foden’s potential.
Should Manchester City win major honours such as the Premier League or Champions League in 2026, and if Foden continues to deliver match-defining performances, he will be one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or. His growing consistency in both domestic and international football strengthens his case.
In short, Foden has everything needed: the technical brilliance, the tactical awareness, and the growing leadership. He is one of the brightest English hopes and one of the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Erling Haaland: The Goalscoring Machine
Few names in football today strike as much fear in defenders as Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker remains one of the most lethal forwards in world football, boasting numbers that continue to boggle the imagination.
Haaland has already been in the Ballon d’Or conversation. In 2023, he finished second behind Messi after setting Premier League and Champions League records. In 2024, he finished fourth when his teammate Rodri won the award. However, in 2025 he slumped to 26th place, largely because Manchester City as a team struggled that season and narrowly secured Champions League qualification. Despite that dip, Haaland still finished among the top scorers in the Premier League, showing that his personal level remained incredibly high.
As the 2026 campaign approaches, Haaland will be at the peak of his physical powers. His unique blend of pace, strength, positioning, and finishing ability makes him a perennial Ballon d’Or candidate. If City manage to return to their dominant form, lifting trophies in England and Europe, Haaland will once again be at the heart of their success.
The striker’s international prospects could also play a role. Norway has not qualified for many major tournaments in recent years, but should Haaland carry his national team to a historic run in European or World Cup qualification, that achievement would boost his Ballon d’Or credentials significantly.
Put simply, goals win matches, and Haaland scores them in abundance. He is undoubtedly one of the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or if his team finds success at the collective level.
Rodrigo Hernández: The Midfield General
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City cannot be overstated. As the only player in the squad to have already lifted the Ballon d’Or, the Spanish midfielder knows what it takes to be recognised as the best in the world.
He built his 2024 triumph on consistency, leadership, and excellence in big matches. His ability to dictate tempo, protect the defence, and initiate attacks made him indispensable for both City and Spain. However, his absence last season revealed just how critical he is; whenever Rodri was unavailable, City’s performances dipped noticeably.
Although he wasn’t at his very best at this moment, Rodri still managed to provide balance and stability. He has already shown his influence in crucial games against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal. With City looking to bounce back strongly in 2026, the midfielder’s presence will again be essential.
If Guardiola’s men reclaim the Premier League title or the Champions League, and Rodri delivers another campaign of trademark consistency, he could join the rare group of players to win multiple Ballon d’Ors. His leadership in the Spanish national team also means he has opportunities on the international stage to boost his chances.
Rodri’s combination of intelligence, defensive nous, and composure on the ball makes him not only one of the best midfielders in the world but also one of the Manchester City players who can win the 2026 Ballon d’Or again.
The Road Ahead for Manchester City
Looking ahead to 2026, City have three standout candidates in Foden, Haaland, and Rodri. Each brings something unique: Foden’s flair and creativity, Haaland’s relentless goalscoring, and Rodri’s midfield dominance. Their chances will ultimately depend on how Manchester City perform collectively in both domestic and European competitions.
The Ballon d’Or is as much about silverware as it is about individual brilliance. A league title, a Champions League triumph, or a deep international run could determine who tops the podium. While the 2025 edition saw City fade from the spotlight, history suggests that Guardiola’s side rarely stay down for long.
If City return to their usual dominant selves, one of these stars could bring another Ballon d’Or to the Etihad.
