Why Lamine Yamal is ahead of Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembélé relegated
Since the closing of voting on September 28, the betting market has seen its predictions shift: Lamine Yamal is now slightly favourite for the Ballon d’Or 2026, ahead of Harry Kane who had been widely leading for several weeks. The change comes as the title was still awarded to Ousmane Dembélé the previous year.
The reversal of odds after the vote
The bookmakers, who had been tracking a large lead of the English striker, reacted to the sealed ballots of the hundred voting journalists. Once the votes were counted, the speculative markets adjusted their expectations, placing the Spanish prodigy at the top of the ranking. This development reflects the general sentiment of the voters, who re‑evaluated their choices in light of recent performances.
The young forward of Barcelona consolidated his position during the Nations League match against Croatia, where the Roja secured a 4‑1 victory. Lamine Yamal scored two goals and provided an assist, demonstrating his decisive impact on the play of the national team.
Statements from the protagonists
After the victory, Yamal said: “I do not play solely to win the Ballon d’Or. I play for myself, for the supporters, the national team. I do not vote and I do not know who will win,” highlighting his lack of interest in the voting process.
Spanish press hails Lamine Yamal as undisputed Ballon d'Or candidate
For his part, the former centre‑forward of the Barcelona academy, Keita Balde, expressed unequivocal support: “Lamine should win the Ballon d’Or,” stating that the talent of the young Spanish player deserves the supreme recognition.
These statements reinforce the idea that the debate around the Ballon d’Or is no longer limited to age or potential, but now rests on the concrete performances of the player at the highest level.
Lamine Yamal ignites the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or
While other candidates such as Kylian Mbappé remain in the race, Yamal’s progression shows that votes, even after closing, can be influenced by recent facts. The suspense remains regarding the final decision, but the market and the experts now appear convinced that the Barcelona prodigy has a real chance to succeed Ousmane Dembélé.