Story perspectives

Bookmakers Make Harry Kane Clear 2026 Ballon d’Or Favorite

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 10:24 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Harry Kane is the bookmakers' favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held at London Palladium, the first in Britain.
Bookmakers give Kane about a 70 percent chance, making him the clear favourite.
AI firm Avisia rates Yamal 23 percent, Kane 21 percent, Mbappé 19 percent.
Yamal could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner at age 21, beating Ronaldo’s 1997 record.

History

Historical Context

Ronaldo’s 1997 Ballon d’Or, awarded on 23 December, made the 21-year-old Brazilian the youngest winner after the 1995 rule change let non-European players at European clubs compete. His triumph set a benchmark that still shapes expectations, prompting bookmakers to price Harry Kane’s 70 % chance and Lamine Yamal’s bid to break Ronaldo’s youth record.

1 of 2

Story summary

Harry Kane is the bookmakers' favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held at London Palladium, the first in Britain.
Bookmakers give Kane about a 70 percent chance, making him the clear favourite.
AI firm Avisia rates Yamal 23 percent, Kane 21 percent, Mbappé 19 percent.
Yamal could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner at age 21, beating Ronaldo’s 1997 record.

1 / 2