There's been a lot of buzz around which assets will dominate the market next year. While Bitcoin and Ethereum typically grab the headlines, some analysts are making a bold call: XRP might be the real breakout trade to watch in 2026.

It's an interesting take—Bitcoin and ETH have established themselves as market leaders, sure. But the crypto space has a way of surprising everyone. XRP has been through plenty of cycles, and with various developments in the pipeline, traders are eyeing it as a potential dark horse candidate.

The reasoning? Timing, momentum, and market cycles. Sometimes the plays that don't feel obvious end up delivering the biggest gains. Whether it's regulatory clarity, adoption metrics, or simply the rotation of capital, smaller or overlooked assets can stage serious comebacks.

Of course, this isn't financial advice—market predictions are always speculative. But it's worth keeping XRP on your radar if you're thinking about positioning for what could be a pivotal year. The 2026 breakout trade might just look different from what we've come to expect.