With individual promotional campaigns in full swing and the media frenzy rising, we’re taking a look at the Ballon d’Or 2026 odds to see who is being backed to win this year’s award. Current holder Ousmane Dembele can be backed at 25/1, so the feeling is the trophy will change hands at the London Palladium ceremony on October 26.
Here are the front-runners to receive most votes, which are cast based on performances between August 3 last year and the final of this summer’s World Cup:
2026 Ballon d'Or Favourites
Harry Kane
HARRY KANE @ 5/6
Michael Owen was the last English winner 25 years ago and Jude Bellingham is the only Three Lions player to secure a top-three finish over the past decade, but confidence is growing Kane could buck the trend with a happy London homecoming.
The former Tottenham star helped Bayern Munich to a league and cup double in Germany last term and netted 14 times in Europe as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, with his overall record reading 61 goals in 51 club games across all competitions.
Another 12 strikes came in an England shirt, including six as the Three Lions took third place at the World Cup , and international boss Thomas Tuchel has backed Kane to secure this gong, declaring: “He’s getting better and better. I think he added a level of physicality to his match.”
Lamine Yamal
LAMINE YAMAL @ 5/4
Barcelona’s teenage sensation was runner-up to Dembele 12 months ago, polling 1059 votes compared to 1380 for the Frenchman and 703 for third-placed Vitinha of Portugal .
Injury issues led to a drop in appearances for the Catalan giants last term, but his tally of 16 goals in 28 La Liga games played a significant part in Barca making it back-to-back titles and then came the successful World Cup campaign with Spain .
An early strike in La Roja’s Nations League win over England at Wembley was a timely reminder of Yamal’s talents and few would question his claims to being the most naturally gifted player on the planet right now.
Ballon d'Or Odds
2026 Ballon d'Or Odds
Contender | Odds | Implied % |
|---|---|---|
Harry Kane | 5/6 | 54.5% |
Lamine Yamal | 5/4 | 44.4% |
Kylian Mbappe | 7/1 | 12.5% |
Lionel Messi | 10/1 | 9.1% |
BAR | 16/1 | 5.9% |
Kylian Mbappe
KYLIAN MBAPPE @ 7/1
After claiming six Ligue 1 titles with PSG , it was thought a move to Real Madrid would elevate Mbappe to the next level in terms of this award, but so far it hasn’t quite happened and third place in 2023 is still his only podium finish.
Mbappe was the leading scorer in last season’s Champions League with 15 and he picked up a second consecutive World Cup Golden Boot with 10 strikes this summer to become the highest-scoring player in the history of that tournament, but a lack of silverware will hurt here.
Lionel Messi
LIONEL MESSI @ 10/1
Messi is in a league of his own in terms of lifting this trophy, earning most votes on eight occasions between 2009 and 2023, as well as finishing second to Cristiano Ronaldo five times.
It was anticipated a move to Inter Miami would represent semi-retirement for the 39-year-old but a glorious World Cup swansong thrust Messi back into the limelight, with his eight goals inspiring Argentina’s run to the final, so don’t rule out a sentimental Ballon d’Or triumph.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA @ 16/1
Playing his international football for Georgia will always make things difficult for Kvaratskhelia in a year when major tournaments are held, while the 25-year-old is also someone who doesn’t go out of his way to spend time in the media spotlight.
However, since joining PSG from Napoli , he has epitomised the French club’s transformation from being a fractured bunch of superstars to a perfect team, being named Champions League player of the season after netting 10 times as they completed back-to-back triumphs.
Kvaratskhelia’s incredible work-rate, allied to his amazing talent, makes him our favourite player on the planet right now, but whether he has a high enough profile for this popularity contest is open to question!
Bet on Football Odds at BOYLE Sports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
Not all opinions are equal. The BOYLE Sports Team is made up of experts who know the sports and betting world inside out, delivering the kind of insights and analysis that give you a real edge where it matters most.
