Ballon d'Or 2026 power rankings: Who leads race ahead of tonight's ceremony

Kane leads bookmakers' odds ahead of tonight's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, with Yamal, Olise and others in contention.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place in London this evening, with Harry Kane the favourite according to bookmakers. The Bayern Munich and England forward's case rests on consistent goal-scoring and chance creation throughout the year. Spain's World Cup victory has elevated Lamine Yamal into contention, though Barcelona has positioned him as their main candidate to avoid splitting votes with fellow Spaniard Rodri, the 2024 winner. Other leading contenders include Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Florian Wirtz, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Pau Cubarsi. Cubarsi, at 19, has impressed as a defender for Barcelona and Spain, winning Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup. Lionel Messi, at 39, briefly forced himself back into the conversation after scoring eight goals at the World Cup to help Argentina reach the final.