France captain Kylian Mbappe has emerged as the leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, according to the latest odds from Polymarket, following his outstanding performances at the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The French forward has been instrumental in Les Bleus' run to the quarter-finals, leading the tournament's scoring chart with seven goals while also providing two assists.
Polymarket currently gives the 27-year-old a 26 per cent chance of claiming football's most prestigious individual honour.
England skipper Harry Kane is ranked second among the favourites with a 23 per cent chance after scoring six goals at the World Cup.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France winger Ousmane Dembele are jointly placed next, with both players receiving an 11 per cent probability of winning the award.
Messi's rise in the rankings is particularly notable, having been given less than a one per cent chance of securing a record-extending ninth Ballon d'Or before the World Cup began. The eight-time winner has seen his prospects improve significantly following Argentina's campaign in the tournament.
