Ballon d'Or odds: Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane all prominent

There is no clear favourite to win this year's Ballon d'Or, with bookmakers left scrambling after Rodri claimed the Golden Ball following Spain's victory over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final.

Lionel Messi's Ballon d'Or Hopes Soar as Officials Drop Major Post-World Cup Hint

Ballon d’Or is considered the holy grail of individual awards in soccer. But the award also comes with a certain bias, that only players from European clubs can win the award.
Planet Football on MSN

Official Ballon d’Or statement leaves Lionel Messi on course for ninth award

It's definitely on the cards.
AOL

Lionel Messi sends message to Ousmane Dembele after Ballon d’Or triumph

Lionel Messi has congratulated Ousmane Dembele on his Ballon d'Or success, telling the Paris Saint-Germain forward "you deserve it" after the Frenchman was presented with the prestigious prize. Dembele edged out contenders including Lamine Yamal to secure ...
Sports Illustrated

Lionel Messi Delivers Two-Word Ballon d’Or Admission

When presented with the choice of winning another Ballon d’Or or defending Argentina’s World Cup title, Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate: “World Cup.” The rightly revered icon has the rare luxury of boasting both individual and collective success on ...
The Chosun Ilbo

Messi's Ninth Ballon d'Or Possible as Non-European Leagues Gain Recognition

Messis Ninth Ballon dOr Possible as Non-European Leagues Gain Recognition Ballon dOr organizers confirm no league restrictions ahead of World Cup final
Legit.ng on MSN

2026 Ballon d'Or: Organisers release key statement as Lionel Messi emerges favourite

France Football has confirmed playing outside Europe doesn’t disqualify players for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi leading after an impressive World Cup.
Fox Sports

Mbappe was meant to succeed Messi and Ronaldo, but Ballon d'Or rankings say he's going backward

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — By the age of 19 Kylian Mbappe had won the World Cup, become one of the most expensive soccer players ever and was labeled the heir-apparent to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Seven years later, and with Messi and Ronaldo ...