Ballon d'Or. Lionel Messi new favourite after World Cup heroics

Messi the new favourite after sending England home

Following Argentina making back-to-back World Cup Finals on Wednesday evening, Lionel Messi is the new clear favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or and pick up his ninth trophy.

The odds have been slashed to 6/42.50 from 7/24.50 on Argentina's talisman, with previous frontrunner Harry Kane drifting to 5/23.50 from 11/102.11 after England crashed out of the major tournament.

Kylian Mbappe has seen some support in the market despite being knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday having drifted to 6/17.00, but he is now back into third favourite at 4/15.00.

Spain's stars at the tournament Lamine Yamal and Rodri have become prominent in the betting heading into Sunday's World Cup final, with the youngster now a 9/25.50 chance of to win his first Ballon d'or, with Rodri 12/113.00 to pick up his second.

Latest Men's Ballon d'Or 2026 Winner Odds from Betfair

Lionel Messi 6/4
Harry Kane 5/2
Kylian Mbappe 4/1
Lamine Yamal 9/2
Rodri 12/1
Ousmane Dembele 14/1
Jude Bellingham 14/1
Michael Olise 20/1

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