Ballon d’Or Favourite Takes Shape After World Cup

Following Spain’s thrilling victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup, the stakes have been raised in the race for the sport’s most prestigious individual prize – the Ballon d’Or.

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The award, presented annually by the French sports magazine, has been dominated by European footballers in recent years, and the 2026 edition is no exception.

Current Ballon d’Or holders Lamine Yamal and Rodri, who won the award in 2024, have emerged as strong contenders for the world champions, giving them a significant edge over their rivals.

However, other top players are also in the running, including Lionel Messi, who, despite being 39 years old, carried Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final, although he missed out on the Golden Ball award to Rodri in FIFA’s post-final awards ceremony.

Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele remains a contender after securing back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain, despite the Independent’s Miguel Delaney maintaining at the time that Yamal should have won.

Harry Kane, who has been in scintillating form for both Bayern Munich and England this summer, has also emerged as a top contender, backing up his impressive displays with six goals and securing the record for England’s all-time top scorer in the World Cup.

The current favourites to win the Ballon d’Or are based on the latest odds from Betfair, with Kane leading the charge at 13/8, followed closely by Yamal at 9/4, Messi at 11/4, and Rodri at 9/2.

Other notable contenders, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr., are also vying for the top prize, although their odds are significantly lower at 7/2, 14/1, 22/1, and 40/1 respectively.

With the Ballon d’Or gala ceremony set to take place in London on 26 October, the stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 edition of the award.

Will Harry Kane’s impressive displays be enough to secure him the top prize, or will Lamine Yamal and Rodri’s World Cup heroics give them the edge they need to win?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be one to remember.