Ballon d’Or 2026 Betting: Lamine Yamal and Mbappé Joint Favourites in Early Market

The 2026 Ballon d’Or betting market opens with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé joint 3/1 favourites. Bayern striker Harry Kane follows at 7/1, while reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé is 12/1 to retain his title.
Ballon d’Or 2026 Betting: Lamine Yamal and Mbappé Joint Favourites in Early Market
Jake Ashton
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  • Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé joint 3/1 favourites for 2026 Ballon d’Or
  • Harry Kane third favourite at 7/1 after prolific start at Bayern
  • Ousmane Dembélé 12/1 to retain Ballon d’Or crown

Yamal and Mbappé Joint Favourites

The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or is already heating up, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé emerging as early joint favourites in the betting markets.

Bookmakers have priced both stars at 3/1 following a string of world-class performances that have dominated the opening months of the season. 

With the next award ceremony still a year away, punters are already speculating who will be crowned football’s best player.

Bet365's latest market gives both players a 25% implied probability of winning the award next September.

Yamal and Mbappe play for La Liga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively and both will be looking for successful seasons domestically and internationally with the World Cup next summer too.

Ballon d’Or 2026 Odds

Ballon d'Or 2026 WinnerOddsImplied Probability
Lamine Yamal3/125.0%
Kylian Mbappé3/125.0%
Harry Kane7/112.5%
Ousmane Dembélé12/17.7%
Erling Haaland14/16.7%

Yamal and Mbappé Lead the Field

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has become the face of Barcelona’s resurgence, dazzling fans with his pace, creativity, and maturity beyond his years. 

His performances for both club and country have already drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi and now he’s among the front-runners for world football’s biggest individual prize.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé remains a perennial favourite in Ballon d’Or betting markets. 

The Frenchman has started another season in electric form at Real Madrid, with his goals and leadership keeping Los Blancos among Europe’s elite.

If Mbappé can guide France deep into the 2026 World Cup, his case for a first Ballon d’Or could become irresistible.

What the expert says...
Yamal’s rise has been extraordinary as he’s already a Ballon d’Or-level performer at 18. Mbappé is the safer bet given his track record, but if Yamal delivers at the World Cup, the value at 3/1 could soon disappear.

Jake Ashton - Football Betting Expert - OLBG.com

Kane, Dembele and Haaland Follow in Market

Harry Kane (7/1) has made a flying start to this season in Germany, with his relentless scoring record for Bayern Munich keeping him firmly in the Ballon d’Or discussion.

The England captain’s consistency, professionalism, and scoring numbers make him a credible contender if Bayern enjoy another strong European campaign. 

A trophy-laden season could easily swing votes his way, especially if England perform at the World Cup.

Ousmane Dembélé (12/1) was a surprise winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, recognised for a standout season in which he delivered consistently at both club and international level.

Behind him, Erling Haaland (14/1) remains a threat if he continues his goal-scoring dominance and helps Manchester City return to the top of European football.

Where To Bet on the Ballon d’Or

Betting markets for the 2026 Ballon d’Or are live with bet365 and other major UK betting sites.

Fans can also claim free bets and bonus offers ahead of football’s biggest individual awards.

For more information on football markets and award specials, visit OLBG’s guide to the best football betting sites.

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