2026 Ballon ‘D Or: Top 4 players to win the award ahead of the World Cup final

The top four contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or have been published ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, is now the frontrunner to win the prize later this year.

Messi provided two assists as Albiceleste defeated England 2-1 to go to the final, where they will meet Spain.

Polymarket predicts the 39-year-old has a 31.7% chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

Lamine Yamal, a Barcelona winger, ranks second with 30.9%.

Harry Kane, the England captain, has been given a 13.5% chance, while France’s Ousmane Dembele has a 3.1% chance.

The Ballon d’Or winner for 2026 will be revealed at a gala on October 26.