The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been and gone, but football’s biggest individual prize is still up for grabs.
With the Ballon d’Or set to be awarded in October, the World Cup has dramatically reshaped the race. Players who delivered on the biggest stage have strengthened their claims, while others have seen their hopes fade after disappointing tournament exits.
Here are the latest Bet9ja Ballon d’Or odds and why each player is still in the hunt.
Harry Kane – 2.60
Despite England falling short of the final, Harry Kane remains the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed another extraordinary season at club level, scoring at a remarkable rate while helping the German giants complete a domestic double. He then followed it up with another prolific international tournament, finishing the World Cup with six goals and further cementing his place among the competition’s greatest goalscorers.
Although England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina denied him the chance to lift the World Cup, his combination of elite club and international performances keeps him at the top of the betting.
Lamine Yamal – 3.00
Few players enhanced their reputation more than Lamine Yamal.
Already a European champion, the Barcelona teenager has now added a World Cup winner’s medal before turning 20. While his statistics at the tournament may not have matched some of the other contenders, his influence in Spain’s biggest matches was undeniable.
Winning the penalty that helped beat France in the semi-finals before playing a key role in the final only strengthened his growing reputation as one of football’s brightest stars. Combined with another outstanding domestic season for Barcelona, Yamal is firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Lionel Messi – 4.00
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations.
Argentina ultimately fell one game short of retaining the World Cup, but Messi’s performances throughout the tournament reminded everyone why many consider him the greatest player of all time.
Goals, assists and match-winning displays helped carry Argentina back to another final, and although defeat against Spain may ultimately count against him in the voting, few players left a bigger impression over the course of the tournament.
Rodri – 4.50
Rodri’s World Cup may have transformed his Ballon d’Or hopes more than anyone else’s.
The 2024 winner returned from injury to control matches throughout Spain’s victorious campaign, eventually being named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner.
His ability to dictate games from midfield was central to Spain lifting the trophy, and while Manchester City’s season lacked the usual major honours, World Cup success has pushed him right back into contention for a second Ballon d’Or.
Kylian Mbappe – 4.50
Kylian Mbappe once again proved he is football’s ultimate goalscorer.
The France captain finished as the World Cup’s Golden Boot winner and became the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. Individually, it was another spectacular campaign.
The challenge for Mbappe is silverware. France finished outside the medals, while Real Madrid endured a disappointing domestic season by their own standards. History suggests trophies often make the difference when Ballon d’Or votes are cast, but Mbappe’s goals ensure he remains firmly in contention.
How Much Does the World Cup Matter?
Unlike any other competition, the World Cup has the power to transform the Ballon d’Or race.
Spain’s triumph has undoubtedly boosted the chances of players such as Rodri and Lamine Yamal, while Harry Kane’s outstanding individual season keeps him among the favourites despite England’s semi-final exit.
Messi produced one final masterpiece, Mbappe continued rewriting goalscoring records, and several players have compelling cases heading into the final months before voting.
One thing is certain: this promises to be one of the closest Ballon d’Or races in recent memory.
Check the Latest Ballon d’Or Odds on Bet9ja
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