England captain Harry Kane is the favourite to be named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday, with the Bayern Munich striker now odds-on to claim the prize ahead of challengers Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
For the first time in the award's history, the ceremony will be held in London on Monday, October 26. Bookmakers have shortened their odds on Kane, who is priced at 4/11 at the time of writing, making him the clear favourite to become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the trophy.
Late Surge from Mbappe and Yamal
Lamine Yamal is the nearest challenger at odds of 2/1 after a remarkable late surge in the days leading up to the ceremony. Real Madrid and France star Kylian Mbappe, who was 16/1 just a few days ago, is now the clear second-favourite at 9/2.
Yamal was briefly the favourite after helping Spain win the World Cup in the summer, while Kane scored six goals as England were eliminated at the semi-final stage. Both players also starred as their clubs won their domestic leagues, with Barcelona lifting La Liga and Bayern Munich victorious in the Bundesliga.
Selection Criteria and Other Contenders
Although both players have impressed in the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign, performances this season are not considered for the 2026 award, according to the Ballon d'Or's selection criteria. The 30 nominees are ranked on three criteria, with a player's 'individual performances, decisive and impressive character' given the most weight.
Team performances and club titles won are considered next, before voters weigh up 'class and fair play'. Other contenders include eight-time winner Lionel Messi at 40/1, while 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient Rodri is the only other player with odds below 100/1 with Sky Bet, the Spaniard also priced at 40/1.
The odds list Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, Bruno Fernandes, Achraf Hakimi, Declan Rice, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Vinicius Jr., Marc Cucurella and Marquinhos at 100/1. Jude Bellingham, Luis Diaz, William Saliba, Pau Cubarsi, William Pacho, Julian Quinones and Sadio Mane are all priced at 125/1. Odds are via Sky Bet and subject to change.
