Ballon d’Or race sees Kane favourite as Mbappé’s media tour stalls
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony set for 26 October in Londres, English bookmakers still list Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane as the overwhelming favourite, even as Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé’s intensive media tour has so far left his odds unchanged in the betting markets.
Kane consolidates favourite status
Harry Kane’s odds have risen by 43 percent on most online betting sites, cementing his status as the clear favourite. The 33‑year‑old Bayern Munich striker finished the 2025‑26 season as Europe’s top scorer with 61 goals in 51 league matches, 73 when his international tally is added. His prolific record includes a striking World Cup performance. Kane has spoken little about the award, letting his statistics speak for him.
Lamine Yamal occupies the second spot in the bookmakers’ rankings, though his odds have slipped by 28 percent. The 18‑year‑old Barcelona prodigy is backed by coach Hansi Flick, several teammates and agent Jorge Mendes. He helped Barça claim the league title despite a late‑season injury and kept a low profile during Spain’s World Cup triumph.
Race remains wide open
Kylian Mbappé holds third place despite an intensive media tour across Europe. He has given interviews to L’Equipe, AS, CNN and RFI, insisting he deserves the Ballon d’Or after a trophy‑free season and after becoming the all‑time World Cup top scorer this summer in America. Nevertheless, his betting odds have dropped by 17 percent as the ceremony approaches.
Beyond the top three, bookmakers also back Rodri, Lionel Messi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé – the current holder – and Fabian Ruiz. Their chances appear slim unless a dramatic reversal occurs in the final weeks. The overall race is described as perhaps the most uncertain in the award’s history.
Daniel of the After Foot site criticised Mbappé’s campaign, warning it will leave a bitter taste among observers. His assessment adds another layer to the growing scepticism surrounding the French forward’s push.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in Londres, leaving exactly one month for the final verdict. With no clear frontrunner emerging, the suspense remains total.