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.
1. Pau Cubarsi - Barcelona
The second-youngest player to be nominated for the award this year, Cubarsi has established himself as one of the world's elite centre-backs, despite being just 19 years old. He won the World Cup with Spain in the summer, adding to his La Liga and Supercopa title success in the weeks prior. He is priced at 125/1 to win the Ballon d'Or. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid
The midfielder became England's record goalscorer at a single tournament this summer, bagging seven goals at the World Cup in North America. His achievements have earned him a well-deserved Ballon d'Or nomination, but at 125/1, he is not expected to win it.
3. Fabian Ruiz - Paris Saint-Germain
Winning the World Cup, Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Super Cup, it's been some year for the Spanish midfielder. He is 100/1 to win the Ballon d'Or. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Ousmane Dembele - Paris Saint-Germain
Last year's Ballon d'Or winner is an outsider for the award this year, priced at 100/1. He won the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the Super Cup, but had to settle for fourth place with France at the World Cup. | PA Photo: PA