Kane, Yamal, Rodri: Lead the Race to Win the Ballon d’Or

After Spain registered a win over Argentina in the 2026 Football World Cup, the race for one of the most prestigious individual prizes in the sport, i.e., the man to win the Ballon d’Or is on and is entering its final stages.

The young Spanish sensation, Lamine Yamal who had a terrific World Cup campaign and his teammate Rodri who also won the Golden Ball Award have emerged among the lead runners to win the biggest individual glory.

But Rodri and Yamal are not the only contenders, there are other players too in the race, including one of Argentina’s all time greats, Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old veteran led Argentina to its second consecutive final at the recently concluded World Cup. He was also in contention to win the Golden Ball award but eventually lost it to Rodri.

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele also is seen as one of the strong contenders to clinch the prize after the French forward won back-to-back Champions League titles with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). England captain, Harry Kane, who scored six goals at the World Cup is also in the running and is even considered among the favourites to win the prize.

Kane has been in red hot form for his German club, Bayern Munich and she showed why he is one of the best forwards at the World Cup by adding six goals to his international goal tally at the World Cup. Here is a full list of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or and the latest odds, with the gala ceremony set to take place on Oct 26, 2026 in London.

Ballon d’Or contenders for 2026 and latest odds