Lamin Yamal – favorite for the Ballon d'Or 2026: who else is on the bookmakers' list.

According to The Sun: Barcelona star Lamin Yamal has become the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or 2026 with odds of 3/1.

This information emerged from early bets by the bookmaker Betfair, which published the full list of candidates for this prestigious football award.

Betfair odds for the Ballon d'Or 2026 winner

Betfair odds:

• Lamin Yamal – 3/1
• Kylian Mbappe – 5/1
• Ousmane Dembele – 7/1
• Vinicius Junior – 9/1
• Erling Haaland – 9/1
• Mohamed Salah – 12/1
• Raphinha – 12/1
• Harry Kane – 12/1
• Jude Bellingham – 18/1
• Cole Palmer – 20/1
• Bukayo Saka – 25/1
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 25/1
• Lautaro Martinez – 33/1
• Scott McTominay – 50/1

Ousmane Dembele claimed his first Ballon d'Or after a stunning season in which PSG won the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup.

The 28-year-old Frenchman scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists in 53 matches for PSG and played a key role in their advancement to the Club World Cup final.

Dembele edged out Lamin Yamal, who finished second in the voting but received the Copa Trophy awarded to the best young player in the world.

However, Betfair believes that the situation could change in 2026, with Yamal becoming the favorite at odds of 3/1 to win, playing for two leading World Cup clubs: Spain and Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe follows closely behind Yamal with odds of 5/1. The 26-year-old Real Madrid forward has already scored seven goals in eight matches this season and looks set to challenge for both the La Liga title and the World Cup.

Dembele has 7/1 odds to retain his title, a feat achieved only by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo since Marco van Basten won it consecutively in 1988 and 1989.

Vinicius Junior and Erling Haaland are at 9/1, while Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, and Harry Kane are at 12/1.

Betfair representative Sam Rosbottom stated: “Lamin Yamal is the early 3/1 favorite to win the Ballon d'Or 2026 after being recognized as the best player in the world under 21 at the 2025 awards ceremony on Monday.”

“Kylian Mbappe is in second place with odds of 5/1, while 2025 winner Ousmane Dembele is at 7/1. Harry Kane has 12/1 odds to receive his first Ballon d'Or, while Scott McTominay is the outsider with odds of 40/1.”

In light of these predictions, the battle for the Ballon d'Or 2026 promises to be extremely competitive. Yamal, who has repeatedly showcased his talent, is vying to solidify his position as the best in the world. Meanwhile, experienced players like Mbappe and Dembele will not give up their chances without a fight. Football fans are undoubtedly looking forward to the upcoming events in this prestigious competition.