Ballon d'Or 2026 Odds: Lamine Yamal Early Favourite
Craig Jones 
The dust has barely settled on the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but already the conversation has shifted, it's time to look at the Ballon d'Or 2026 odds.
At the heart of the debate are two names that have defined the past 12 months in very different ways, Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona wonderkid who looks like the future of the sport, and Ousmane Dembele, the man who finally fulfilled his immense potential by lifting the trophy this year.
For fans, it’s more than just a football betting market. It’s about leaving a legacy, and paving the way for the future of football.
Ballon d’Or Odds: What the Market is Saying
The 2026 Ballon d’Or odds are already generating discussion, with Yamal and Dembele the two standout names. Yamal leads the latest odds with UK betting sites ahead of the chasing pack.
Other contenders will emerge as the season develops, potentially names like Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, or Kylian Mbappé, but right now, all eyes are on Yamal and Dembele.
| Player | Ballon d'Or 2026 Odds |
| Lamine Yamal | 11/4 |
| Kylian Mbappe | 6/1 |
| Ousmane Dembele | 12/1 |
| Vinicius Jr | 14/1 |
| Harry Kane | 16/1 |
| Erling Haaland | 16/1 |
| Mo Salah | 16/1 |
| Jude Bellingham | 16/1 |
*Odds are current best available on market, and correct as of September 24th, 9:30am.
Why Lamine Yamal is the Ballon d'Or Favourite
For many, Lamine Yamal represents inevitability. Still only a teenager, he has already broken records for Barcelona and Spain, and his maturity has been staggering at times.
If you've seen Barcelona or Spain at any point over the past 18 months, you'll have seen his ability to impact a game on his own.
There's two big moments coming up that he could impact, further adding to his Ballon d'Or 2026 odds being shorter than other players.
Firstly, Barcelona in the Champions League, many fancy them to go well. And then secondly, Spain's build up to the World Cup, where he looks sure to play a huge role.
Can Ousmane Dembele Defend His Crown?
Dembele’s 2025 win was a story of redemption. For years he was the nearly man, an immense talent, plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
Last season though, he found everything he needed, fitness, consistency, and most importantly, big moments in big games.
To win again in 2026, he’ll need to prove that wasn’t just a one off. The modern game is tough, and retaining the Ballon d'Or just doesn't really happen. Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did it once in their peaks, I'd argue now it was even harder to do, and of course, Dembele isn't that level.
And finally, don't forget that when it comes to big football news, here at Free Bets we've got you covered. A new emerging start in the Ballon d'Or 2026 odds? We'll be on it!
