The Ballon d'Or 2026
The 70th Ballon d'Or ceremony is being held on *October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium*, the first time in history the event has moved outside France. UEFA and France Football chose London as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, who won the inaugural Ballon d'Or in 1956.
The men's race is led by three favorites: Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
*Harry Kane* is the bookmakers' clear favorite at 2/5 odds. The Bayern Munich and England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances in 2025-26, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup, and 73 goals in 65 games, including international duty. If he wins, he would become the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
*Lamine Yamal*, 19, is attempting to become the youngest winner ever. He recorded 22 goals and 21 assists, winning La Liga with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain. An AI model by French firm AVISIA gives him a 23% chance, ranking him first ahead of Kane at 21%.
*Kylian Mbappé* scored 10 World Cup goals and won the Golden Boot but won no club trophy.
Among the 30 nominees are Lionel Messi, seeking a ninth trophy, and last year's winner Ousmane Dembélé. On the women's side, Alexia Putellas is the favorite for the 2026 Women's Ballon d'Or.