Ballon d’Or 2026 odds: Harry Kane leads the betting after World Cup final | OneFootball

The Ballon d’Or race has taken another dramatic turn following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, with Harry Kane now heading the betting after another remarkable campaign for club and country.

Spain’s World Cup triumph has also seen Lamine Yamal and Rodri shorten significantly in the market after starring throughout the tournament, while Lionel Messi’s run to a second consecutive World Cup final keeps the Argentine firmly among the favourites.

Below, we assess the leading contenders in the latest Ballon d’Or betting.

Who are the favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

Harry Kane- 7/4

Harry Kane has moved to the head of the market after arguably the finest season of his career.

The England captain finally ended his wait for major silverware by helping Bayern Munich to another Bundesliga title before leading the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals. Kane once again finished among Europe’s leading goalscorers, combining relentless finishing with his trademark creativity.

Although England fell short against Argentina, Kane’s consistency across the entire campaign leaves him as the bookmaker’s favourite for football’s biggest individual prize.

Lamine Yamal – 9/4

Lamine Yamal continues to rewrite the record books.

Still only a teenager, the Barcelona winger inspired Spain to World Cup glory with another series of match-winning performances on the biggest stage. His creativity, dribbling and composure regularly separated him from defenders throughout the tournament, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite attackers.

Winning the World Cup has propelled Yamal into serious Ballon d’Or contention, and few players possess stronger momentum heading into the final months of voting.

Lionel Messi – 4/1

Lionel Messi was priced at 50/1 to win the Ballon d’Or when the 2026 World Cup got underway, but his stunning performances for Argentina have dramatically changed the picture.

The 39-year-old has scored eight goals in six matches so far, inspiring the defending champions to another World Cup Final, and shrunk his Ballon d’Or odds to 4/1.

The Argentina captain guided the reigning champions to a second successive World Cup final and once again produced decisive moments throughout the tournament. His creativity remained central to Lionel Scaloni’s side, while his influence on and off the pitch reinforced his standing as one of the game’s greatest players.

Although Argentina narrowly missed out on retaining their title, Messi’s performances ensure he remains firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Rodri – 4/1

Rodri reminded everyone why he remains one of football’s most influential players.

The Manchester City midfielder controlled games throughout Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign and capped another outstanding year by lifting the biggest trophy in international football. His ability to dictate possession, break up attacks and deliver in decisive moments makes him one of the leading candidates.

Few midfielders combine consistency and silverware as effectively as Rodri, making 4/1 a fair reflection of his credentials.

Kylian Mbappe – 9/2

Kylian Mbappe rarely stays out of Ballon d’Or discussions for long.

The France captain enjoyed another prolific season at club level and continued to deliver on the international stage despite Les Bleus falling short of another World Cup final. His pace, finishing and ability to decide the biggest matches keep him among the leading contenders. Mbappe became the all-time World Cup top goalscorer this summer and now has 22 goals to his name.

Another strong domestic campaign means Mbappe cannot be discounted despite drifting slightly in the betting.

Who else is in the mix?

Jude Bellingham (20/1) enjoyed another excellent campaign despite England’s semi-final exit, while Ousmane Dembele (20/1) remains an outsider after another impressive season.

Fabian Ruiz (25/1) enhanced his reputation during Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, with Michael Olise (25/1) also attracting support following an outstanding breakthrough year for club and country.

Erling Haaland (33/1) will hope another fast start to the season keeps him in contention, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (33/1) and Pau Cubarsi (33/1) complete the current list of leading outsiders