2026 Ballon d'Or: Latest Odds Reveal Frontrunner in Two-Horse Race

Updated odds have placed Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal ahead of England captain Harry Kane among the leading contenders for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Goal reports that Kane had appeared on course to become the first English winner of the award since Michael Owen in 2001, 25 years ago. In the past several hours, however, Spain's World Cup-winning talent has moved ahead of the Three Lions captain, who had been the clear favourite in recent weeks.

Citing Planetwin365 and Betflag, Goal says Yamal's odds of winning have shortened from 3.50 to 1.75, while Kane's have drifted from 1.60 to 2.25. According to the bookmakers, Yamal's first World Cup triumph has strengthened his candidacy despite an underwhelming personal tournament, allowing him to overtake Kane, who scored 72 goals for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025-26 season.

Bookmakers now view the contest as a two-horse race. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kylian Mbappé trail well behind at 20.00. Kvaratskhelia was named MVP of the last Champions League, while Mbappé finished the season as top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup, but will still have to wait for his first Ballon d'Or.