Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane leads the favorites, with Messi, Mbappé, and Yamal among the contenders.

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is officially underway. The ceremony for the prestigious trophy will be held next October and will take into account performances from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. Just a few days after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, won by Spain against Argentina (1-0), the first trends are already emerging regarding players likely to be among the top favorites. The world title for La Roja is expected to have a significant impact on discussions. Several Spanish internationals could contend for a spot among the main candidates after leading their country to the pinnacle of world football.

According to the British daily Metro, English striker Harry Kane from Bayern Munich currently holds the top spot among bookmakers’ favorites. The former Tottenham forward, who has had a remarkable season at club level and was a key player in England’s World Cup journey, appears as a serious contender. Behind him, several big stars also rank among the highest-rated players in the predictions. Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé notably lead Spanish captain Rodri in the latest estimates.

Defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, who won in 2025, still has a chance to retain his trophy. The French striker currently has odds of 14/1, but his journey with Les Bleus, eliminated in the semi-finals of the World Cup by Spain, could influence the votes. With a season still rich in stakes, the battle for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already set to be fiercely contested among world champions, established stars, and new talents.