Who will take the "Golden Ball" 2026: main favorites
The World Championship - 2026 has concluded. Along with it, the main favorites for the world's best footballer award have become clear. Therefore, it's time to learn about the new standings in the race for the "Golden Ball" - 2026.
Where and when will the "Golden Ball" - 2026 award ceremony take place
The award ceremony will take place on October 26 in London. Note that this is a special year, as the "Golden Ball" turns 70. To highlight the significance of the anniversary, the organizers decided to make a very appropriate gesture towards Stanley Matthews, the very footballer who became the first recipient of this award back in 1956.
Who is contending for the "Golden Ball" - 2026
Main favorites for the award
After the World Championship, the situation in the race for the main individual award of the season has noticeably changed. The leader is Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who won the World Cup with the Spanish national team.
Footballer | Probability of winning (according to Polymarket) |
1. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain national team) | 51% |
2. Harry Kane (Bayern, England national team) | 27% |
3. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina national team) | 8% |
4. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France national team) | 4% |
Dark horse favorites
There are several footballers who will also be highly rated in the betting lines. Firstly, these are the stars of the French national team - Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, who had a great club season (at PSG and Bayern respectively). Secondly, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Yes, the Georgian did not qualify for the World Cup with the national team. But he was the best player of Parisians in the Champions League last season. Thirdly, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. The first two had a fantastic World Cup, while the latter was the leader of the champion Arsenal throughout the season.
When is the best time to bet on the "Golden Ball" winner in 2026
There is no one perfect date. The earlier you bet, the higher the potential odds, but also theThe uncertainty is higher. The later it is, the more data there is, but the less benefit.
Yes, by the time this article is published, all the key tournaments of the season have already ended, including the Champions League and the World Cup, so the circle of main contenders for the "Ballon d'Or" is clear. However, it's important to take into account that closer to October, various insider information will start to appear, which can shuffle all the cards and change the bookmaker's odds.
All "Ballon d'Or" winners in the 21st century
It's time to remind which players have already won the "Ballon d'Or" in this century:
- 2000 — Luis Figo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
- 2001 — Michael Owen (England, Liverpool)
- 2002 — Ronaldo (Brazil, Real Madrid)
- 2003 — Pavel Nedved (Czech Republic, Juventus)
- 2004 — Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine, Milan)
- 2005 — Ronaldinho (Brazil, Barcelona)
- 2006 — Fabio Cannavaro (Italy, Real Madrid)
- 2007 — Kaka (Brazil, Milan)
- 2008 — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Manchester United)
- 2009 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2010 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2011 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2012 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2013 — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
- 2014 — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
- 2015 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2016 — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
- 2017 — Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid)
- 2018 — Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid)
- 2019 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona)
- 2021 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain)
- 2022 — Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid)
- 2023 — Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
- 2024 — Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
- 2025 — Ousmane Dembele (France, ParisParis Saint-Germain)
FAQ
Who is the current holder of the "Ballon d'Or"?
The current holder of the award is Ousmane Dembele. He received the "Ballon d'Or" at the end of the 2024/2025 season.
When will the "Ballon d'Or" 2026 be awarded?
The ceremony will take place on October 26 in London (England).
Who holds the record for the most "Ballon d'Or" awards?
The absolute record holder is Lionel Messi. He has received this award 8 times.
Can Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo win the World Cup in 2026?
Cristiano Ronaldo is not among the main contenders for this award. However, Lionel Messi significantly boosted his stock in the race for the "Ballon d'Or" after a successful World Cup.
