A World Cup record is not enough.. Jude Bellingham fails to enter the Ballon d'Or Top 10

Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has finished 11th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings, narrowly missing out on a place among the world's top ten players despite his record-breaking performances at the FIFA World Cup.

The 23 year old's position was confirmed on Monday 26 October as France Football continued announcing the results ahead of the 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony at the London Palladium.

Bellingham finished immediately ahead of Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí who ranked 12th, and PSG's Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi, who occupied 13th place.

the England international's position comes as a surprise following his outstanding performances at the World Cup 2026.

However, the result represents a significant improvement on his 23rd place finish in 2025.

Read Also: Watch Live: Ballon d'Or 2026 Live Updates as World's Greatest Stars Take Center Stage

Bellingham misses Ballon d'Or top ten despite World Cup heroics

Bellingham entered the Ballon d'Or 2026 race after producing one of the most impressive individual World Cup campaigns in England's history.

The Real Madrid midfielder scored seven goals during the tournament, setting a new record for an England player at a single major international competition.

His performances included two goals against Mexico in the round of 16 and another double against Norway in the quarter finals.

Bellingham also scored during England's remarkable 6-4 victory over France in the third place play off, helping Thomas Tuchel's side finish third.

According to the English Football Association, his seven goal tally surpassed the previous national benchmark of six at a major tournament.

Those contributions established Bellingham among the standout performers of the World Cup.

Nevertheless, the international journalists responsible for the Ballon d'Or voting placed him just outside the top ten.

Bellingham finishes ahead of Declan Rice and Achraf Hakimi

The Real Madrid midfielder also finished ahead of several prominent nominees.

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice secured 15th place after helping his club win the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi finished 13th following another successful campaign with Paris Saint-Germain.

As Foot Africa reported when the rankings from 25th to 15th were revealed, several major names had already been eliminated from contention before Bellingham's position was confirmed.

The England star's 11th-place finish completes his involvement in this year's rankings, leaving ten players ahead of him in the final standings.

Who will win the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Attention now turns to the remaining ten candidates, with the overall winner scheduled to be announced during Monday evening's ceremony in London.

Among the leading names still in contention are Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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