Ballon d’Or: Mbappé’s campaign against favorites Kane and Yamal

Since midnight, the votes for the 2026 Ballon d’Or have closed, and the ceremony will take place on October 26 in London to name the successor to Ousmane Dembélé. While bookmakers have the English Harry Kane and the Spanish Lamine Yamal at the top, Kylian Mbappé appears as a credible outsider, betting on an unprecedented media campaign.

Bookmakers' favorites

Bookmakers have the English Harry Kane and the Spanish Lamine Yamal as favorites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Kylian Mbappé, captain of France, remains a credible outsider without a major trophy last season, but he has launched an unprecedented media campaign.

Pascal Ferré, former director of France Football, says: “Usually, lobbying is more the business of clubs, entourages or agents.” He adds that “it’s not forbidden to shout from the rooftops that we deserve the Ballon d’Or, but I’m not sure that Kylian Mbappé’s strategy is the right one.”

The same consultant adds: “I would even say that it produces the opposite effect to the intended goal.” He notes that the jurors are “a bit annoyed that we’re trying to force their hand” and that he would not vote for him, “because he is not the best player in the world.”

Since the start of his career, the player trained at AS Monaco has reached the Ballon d’Or podium only once, in 2023, the year of Lionel Messi’s last trophy.

The verdict, which will name the successor to Ousmane Dembélé, will be announced on October 26 in London, where Mbappé’s strategy will be put to the test against the favorites.