Former Morocco captain Mehdi Benatia has expressed surprise at Lionel Messi’s fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. Benatia, speaking on the French YouTube program Les Affranchis, questioned whether Messi’s performances with Inter Miami justified such a high position. He compared Messi’s ranking to that of Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, who finished ninth. Benatia’s comments have sparked debate over the criteria used to recognize football’s best performers.
Benatia acknowledged Messi’s outstanding performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he contributed directly to 12 goals through eight goals and four assists. However, Benatia maintained that Messi’s fifth-place finish remained difficult to justify, especially considering his limited playing time in European football. Benatia’s criticism extended beyond Messi to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting.
Benatia questioned how Rodri secured such a high position despite missing a significant part of the 2025-2026 season through injury. Rodri enjoyed major success on the international stage, helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and earning the tournament’s Best Player award. His achievements with the Spanish national team appeared to carry considerable weight in the Ballon d’Or voting, despite his limited playing time at club level.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or award ultimately went to England international Harry Kane, who claimed the prestigious individual prize for the first time in his career. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé finished second, followed by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in third place. Rodri and Messi completed the top five. Benatia’s comments have reopened the debate over how individual performances, club competitions, and international tournaments should influence the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Benatia, who represented Morocco in 66 international matches, enjoyed a successful playing career across Europe, featuring for clubs including Roma, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Marseille. His latest remarks add another voice to the discussion surrounding the criteria used to recognize football’s best performers. The debate over the Ballon d’Or rankings is likely to continue, with different opinions on what factors should be considered.
Messi’s World Cup performance was exceptional, leading his national team to the final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain. His performances raised expectations that he could claim a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or, particularly after playing a decisive role in Argentina’s journey to the final. However, the award ultimately eluded him, and Benatia’s comments have questioned the validity of his fifth-place finish.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a significant event for many players, with several athletes delivering outstanding performances. Benatia’s criticism of the Ballon d’Or rankings highlights the challenges of evaluating players across different competitions and leagues. As the debate continues, football fans and experts will likely discuss the merits of different players and the criteria used to determine the Ballon d’Or winner.
Key points
- Mehdi Benatia questions Lionel Messi’s fifth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings.
- Benatia also criticizes Rodri’s fourth-place finish, citing his limited playing time due to injury.
- The debate over the Ballon d’Or rankings continues, with different opinions on what factors should be considered.
