PSG win UEFA Super Cup as Ballon d'Or rankings shift

Paris Saint-Germain secured the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave the Ligue 1 side an early lead, but Brian Madjo equalised for Villa before halftime. Desire Doué scored the decisive goal in the second half to ensure PSG claimed the trophy.

This victory marks back-to-back Super Cup titles for the French club, following their Champions League triumph over Arsenal in May. The result has bolstered the individual standing of PSG players in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, which remains highly competitive alongside the influence of the FIFA World Cup.

Harry Kane currently leads the rankings. The Bayern Munich striker recorded 73 goals during a season where the club won a domestic double and progressed to the Champions League semi-finals. Ousmane Dembele sits in second place. The defending Ballon d'Or winner scored six goals at the World Cup, including a hat-trick against Norway, while benefiting from PSG's success in Europe and France.

Lamine Yamal holds the third position after winning LaLiga and the Supercopa de España with Barcelona. Although his individual performance at the World Cup was less prominent, his country's success in the tournament helped his candidacy. Rodri follows in fourth, having won the World Cup Golden Ball and playing in all eight of Spain's matches. He also secured the Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Manchester City.

Kylian Mbappé occupies the fifth spot. The Real Madrid forward scored 10 goals and recorded four assists during France's fourth-place World Cup finish. He also achieved the unique feat of winning the Golden Boot in LaLiga, the Champions League, and the World Cup within the same calendar year, though a lack of major team silverware has affected his standing.