Kane favourite for 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Yamal and Mbappe

Summarised from Evening Standard's report · Updated 25 Oct, 10:44 · Archive

Harry Kane is the favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the gala held in London for the first time.

Harry Kane is the favourite to be named 2026 Ballon d'Or winner at the gala in London on Monday, October 26, the first time the award's ceremony has been held there. According to the Evening Standard, Kane is priced at 4/11 to become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the award. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is the nearest challenger at 2/1 odds after a late surge, whilst Kylian Mbappe has moved to clear second favourite at 16/1.

The selection criteria for the award weighs a player's 'individual performances, decisive and impressive character' most heavily, followed by team performances and club titles won, and finally 'class and fair play'. Kane helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and scored six goals as England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Yamal helped Spain win the World Cup and Barcelona to La Liga victory. Other contenders include eight-time winner Lionel Messi at 40/1 and 2024 recipient Rodri at 40/1.

Read the report

• Who will win 2026 Ballon d'Or? Harry Kane faces late surge from Kylian Mbappe and Lamine YamalEngland captain is the favourite to pick up the prize in LondonEvening Standard · 25 Oct, 09:39

In this story: Harry Kane · Kylian Mbappe · Lamine Yamal · Bayern Munich · Real Madrid · Barcelona · England · Spain

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