France Football’s most prestigious individual prize may well be decided in a thrilling race that includes a mix of proven champions and rising stars. The race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or has yet to begin; however, bookmakers are already estimating the players to watch for the final victory. To stay up to date with the latest Ballon d'Or odds, you can visit oddschecker, an online comparison site that reviews the best online gaming platforms every day. Now, let’s see the top five players favored to lift the trophy next year.
Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid
Currently the bookies’ favorite, Kylian Mbappé has transformed his career since joining Real Madrid, and his odds have surged as he leads the Ballon d’Or 2026 market. The French forward’s pace, clinical finishing, and consistency have made him a standout in La Liga and the Champions League. Since moving to Madrid, Mbappé has scored prolifically, becoming one of the team’s main attacking pillars. While he has yet to secure a Ballon d’Or, his high profile, combined with stellar performances for club and country, make him a realistic contender.
Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
At only 17–18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already being tipped as a major contender. He finished second in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, and bookmakers now place him nearly level with Mbappé for the 2026 prize. A product of Barça’s famed La Masia, Yamal made his first-team debut as one of the youngest players ever and has dazzled with his dribbling, creativity, and maturity beyond his years. Internationally, he has also impressed for Spain, becoming the youngest scorer for his country. His gamble: if he continues developing and leads both Barcelona and Spain to major success, he has the star-power and growth narrative to win the Ballon d’Or.
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Harry Kane’s inclusion among the favorites underscores how effective he’s been since his move to Bayern Munich. Having spent the bulk of his career at Tottenham, Kane has now become a complete forward: not only a goal scorer but also a playmaker. According to his career stats, he has been remarkably consistent in the Bundesliga and in Europe. On the international stage, he remains the leading scorer for England, and his leadership qualities make him a credible candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
A natural goal machine, Erling Haaland has been breaking records since donning the Manchester City shirt. He joined City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund and quickly became their focal point in attack. His scoring rate is nothing short of extraordinary: Haaland has set numerous records in the Premier League and in the Champions League, including being one of the fastest players to reach 40+ UCL goals. He also extended his contract with City until 2034, signaling his long-term value to the club. Haaland is a perennial contender to win the Ballon d’Or.
Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain
Last but not least is Ousmane Dembélé, who, although he just won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, remains a strong favorite for 2026 as well. Dembélé’s career has been marked by high peaks and injury setbacks, but his 2024-25 season was nothing short of a renaissance. His creativity, two-footed dribbling, and flair make him one of the most entertaining forwards in the world. If he continues to deliver at the highest level, he could very well defend his Ballon d’Or crown.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or is poised to be a compelling showdown. From world-class veterans like Mbappé, Kane, and Haaland to dynamic young talents like Yamal and the resurgent Dembélé, the field is both deep and diverse. Whether the next winner is an experienced superstar or a rising prodigy, fans and bookies alike have plenty to be excited about.
