The Ballon d’Or returns with a historic 70th anniversary ceremony in London on Monday night, when the most prestigious individual award in football is handed out.There are several leading contenders to be named football’s finest, but who is leading the race? We’ve looked at how the bookmakers assess the candidates ahead of Monday’s announcement.Ballon d’Or – 2026 winner Betting Odds5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG (66/1)Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration behind Paris Saint-Germain’s success in the Champions League, with the Georgian winger devastating as the French side won a second straight crown. Kvaratskhelia scored 10 times and created six more for Luis Enrique’s side, earning the tournament’s Player of the Season prize. His absence from the World Cup with Georgia has hindered his hopes.4. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (40/1)Had Argentina got over the line in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi might have been favourite for a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or. Messi was magic in North America over the summer, scoring eight times to lead Argentina to the final. The 39-year-old’s quest to defend the World Cup ultimately fell short in the decider, and his Ballon d’Or hopes might also be a near miss.3. Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid (22/1)Kylian Mbappe has been banging the drum for his Ballon d’Or campaign, insisting individual performance should outweigh team success. Mbappe failed to win a trophy last season, but did end as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup. In the process, he became the first footballer to win multiple World Cup Golden Boots and became the tournament’s all-time record scorer.2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (5/2)All eyes will be on whether Lamine Yamal can make history on Monday night. No teenager has ever won the Ballon d’Or, but Yamal has a real chance after a runners-up finish in 2025. He was La Liga’s Player of the Season as Barcelona won the title, and also won the World Cup with Spain, despite limited impact in the tournament. He would obliterate Ronaldo Nazario’s record as the youngest-ever winner.1. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (1/3)Harry Kane is the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d’Or and become England’s first winner since 2001. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games as Bayern won a domestic treble, and also netted six times at the World Cup in the summer. The European Golden Shoe winner has never played better football than in 2025/26.Read – Cristiano Ronaldo ‘let Man United down’ with lack of effortRead More – Carrick draws line under Martinez outburst at WilcoxSee Also – Five of the best Premier League away kits in 2026/27Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post The favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Monday’s ceremony appeared first on The Football Faithful.