2026 Ballon d’Or: Fresh odds reveals leading candidate in two-horse race

Fresh Ballon d’Or odds have placed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal ahead of England captain Harry Kane among the leading contenders for the award.

According to Goal, the Ballon d’Or appeared poised to finally be awarded to an English player for the first time in the current century, marking the first occurrence since Michael Owen’s achievement 28 years ago.

However, in the past several hours, Spain’s World Cup-winning talent Yamal has moved ahead of the Three Lions captain, who had remained the clear favourite in recent weeks.

Quoting Planetwin365 and Betflag, Goal reports that the odds of the Spanish youngster winning the award have shortened from 3.50 to 1.75, while Kane’s odds have drifted from 1.60 to 2.25.

According to the bookmakers, despite an underwhelming World Cup performance, Yamal’s maiden World Cup triumph has strengthened his candidacy as he overtakes Kane, who scored 72 goals during the 2025-26 season for Bayern Munich and England.

Bookmakers believe it is now a two-horse race. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kylian Mbappé are way back at 20.00. 

Kvaratskhelia was named the MVP of the last Champions League, while Mbappé ended the season as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, but will still have to wait for his first Ballon d’Or.