Harry Kane remains the 13/8 frontrunner for the 2026 Ballon d'Or according to Betfair, despite Rodri captaining Spain to a World Cup victory over Argentina on Sunday. The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder, who won the award two years ago, has shortened from 100/1 to 9/2 after his inspired performance in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
World Cup final decided by extra-time strike
Substitute Ferran Torres scored a thunderous extra-time goal to give Spain a 1-0 win in a bad-tempered contest. Argentina lost Enzo Fernandez to a red card in the 93rd minute, and Leandro Parades was also sent off for violent conduct after the final whistle. Rodri gathered with teammates to lift the trophy amid scenes of joy, replacing earlier animosity.
Rodri also claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, while Paul Cubarsi was named best young player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and France's Kylian Mbappe secured the Golden Boot as top scorer for the second time.
Ballon d'Or odds and contenders
Betfair's odds list Kane at 13/8, followed by Lamine Yamal (9/4), Lionel Messi (11/4), Mbappe (7/2), and Rodri (9/2). Ousmane Dembele, the 2025 winner, is 14/1 after France failed to reach the final. Other contenders include Jude Bellingham (14/1), Michael Olise (20/1), Erling Haaland (22/1), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (28/1).
Betfair spokesperson James Mackie said: 'Rodri reminded the world why he was once considered the best in the world when winning the World Cup on Sunday. Two years after he won the award, the midfielder has shortened from 100/1 into 9/2 to claim the top individual prize this year.' Mackie added that Kane remains favourite after scoring 72 goals for club and country last season, and that Messi's World Cup run shortened his odds from 66/1 to 11/4.
Rodri's comeback from injury
Rodri won the Ballon d'Or two years ago ahead of Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, a decision that led Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony. He tore his ACL during Manchester City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal shortly after, ruling him out for most of that season. After Sunday's triumph, Rodri thanked fans for support during his recovery from 'rock bottom.'
'Individual titles are secondary for me. These past two years have been tough, a time of growth and self-belief,' he told reporters. 'I've been able to unleash my full potential, given my physical condition. I've performed at a high level progressively, and I thank you all for your support. I hit rock bottom at one of the toughest points in my career, and I managed to pull myself back up. There's someone helping me from above.'
Rodri praises Argentina
Despite Argentina's questionable tactics, Rodri applauded Lionel Scaloni's squad for reaching back-to-back World Cup finals. 'It's true they didn't create many chances, but it was difficult for us to hurt them,' he said. 'They're a team that speaks for itself; they've made history in their own way, with the Copa America, with the World Cup, reaching another final. Incredible achievement. For me, the feat we accomplished today is beyond words. The most difficult World Cup to win, and this group of lads has done it.'
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place in October 2026, based on results from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026.
