The Ballon d’Or 2026 award ceremony is just hours away from getting underway, as France Football magazine prepares to announce which footballing superstar will be crowned as their winner this calendar year.
One of the most coveted award ceremonies in world football, several of the biggest names will meet in London, England, marking the first time the event takes place outside of Paris on Monday, October 26 at 8pm, with the winner to be announced at the prestigious event.
Once again, Scotland has a nominee for the awards for the second season running, with Caroline Weir included on the list of potential winners for the women’s trophy. Last year’s men’s winner, Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele, is once again nominated after a strong season in France, though he faces strong competition for his crown.
Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and is back in the running for the award after missing out last year, while the nominations list is jam-packed with names from Spain following their World Cup triumph in July.
But who is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or award this year? Here are the latest odds for the Ballon d’Or 2026.*
*All odds are offered by SkyBet and are subject to change at any time. Please gamble responsibly.
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9. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami
The Argentinian football legend is a 40/1 outsider to won the award for a ninth time. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
10. Lamine Yamal - Barcelona
Still just 19 years old, the wing wizard added the World Cup, La Liga and Supercopa to his gobsmacking list of honours. Arguably the world's best young footballer, he is priced at 9/2 to win the Ballon d'Or. | PA Photo: PA
11. Kylian Mbappe - Real Madrid
The France icon became the all-Time World Cup top goalscorer this summer at the age of just 27. He also claimed the Champions League Golden Boot, scoring an incredible 15 goals in just 11 matches. The Real Madrid forward is priced at 2/1.
12. Harry Kane - Bayern Munich
The England captain is the favourite to win the award after a near-perfect campaign at club and international level. Scoring 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season, he also chipped in with six goals at the World Cup as the Three Lions finished in third place in North America. He is 7/20 favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.