Ballon d’Or odds for 2026 make Harry Kane the 7/4 favourite, ahead of World Cup winners Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
The race for football’s biggest individual award was transformed by the 2026 World Cup. Kane heads 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. Meanwhile, 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.
| Player | bet365 odds |
|---|---|
| Harry Kane | 7/4 |
| Lamine Yamal | 9/4 |
| Lionel Messi | 4/1 |
| Rodri | 4/1 |
| Kylian Mbappe | 9/2 |
| Jude Bellingham | 20/1 |
| Ousmane Dembele | 20/1 |
| Fabian Ruiz | 25/1 |
Ballon d’Or odds: the 2026 favourites
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’s wait for major silverware is now a thing of the past. He helped Bayern Munich to a second straight Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal, 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 was consistent all summer and finished with six goals. As a result, he is the bookmakers’ 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. He produced another series of match-winning performances on the biggest stage. His creativity, dribbling and composure regularly separated him from defenders throughout the tournament. In turn, it cemented his status as one of the world’s elite attackers.
Winning the World Cup has propelled Yamal into serious Ballon d’Or contention. In fact, 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. However, his stunning performances for Argentina have dramatically changed the picture.
The 39-year-old registered eight goals and four assists in eight matches, inspiring the defending champions to another World Cup Final. In turn, his Ballon d’Or odds shrank to 4/1.
Messi’s creativity remained central to Lionel Scaloni’s side. 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. Then he capped an 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 World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri. Therefore, 4/1 is 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. He continued to deliver on the international stage, too, 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, taking his tally to 22. He also won the tournament’s Golden Boot.
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. Meanwhile, 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. Michael Olise (25/1) is 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. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (33/1) and Pau Cubarsi (33/1) complete the list of leading outsiders.
How the Ballon d’Or is decided
The Ballon d’Or is awarded by France Football, in partnership with UEFA, and voted for by a jury of international journalists. The jury ranks players on individual performances, team achievements and sportsmanship.
Since 2022, the award has covered a full season rather than a calendar year. That means the 2026 edition weighs the 2025/26 club campaign together with the World Cup.
Previous winners
| Player | Year |
|---|---|
| Ousmane Dembele (PSG) | 2025 |
| Rodri (Man City) | 2024 |
| Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) | 2023 |
| Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) | 2022 |
| Lionel Messi (PSG) | 2021 |
| No award due to COVID pandemic | 2020 |
| Lionel Messi (Barcelona) | 2019 |
| Luka Modric (Real Madrid) | 2018 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) | 2017 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) | 2016 |
Ballon d’Or odds FAQ
Harry Kane heads the betting at 7/4 after a season that brought the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and a World Cup semi-final with England.
Ousmane Dembele won the 2025 award after an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain.
The ceremony is traditionally held in the autumn. The award covers performances across the 2025/26 club season and the 2026 World Cup.
Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Ors, most recently in 2023. Victory in 2026 would make it nine.
Read more: Premier League winner odds | Premier League Golden Boot odds | Football tips