The 2026 Ballon d'Or race: Yamal ranks second, the top spot goes to...

The statistical platform Polymarket Sports has provided forecasts for the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, including Lamine Yamal among the candidates.

The contest for the 2025 Ballon d'Or title concluded with a convincing victory for Ousmane Dembele. However, the French forward will certainly need to put in significant effort this season if he wants to defend the title, as competitors have already begun accelerating early on.

Specifically, according to the predictions from the statistical site Polymarket Sports, Kylian Mbappe is currently the leading favorite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The French striker is calculated to have a 29% chance of winning the award, which is 5% higher than the runner-up Lamine Yamal, who was the second-place star in the 2025 Ballon d'Or race.

Kylian Mbappe is experiencing the most explosive form since joining Real Madrid last summer. Up to now, the 1998-born superstar has scored nine goals and provided one assist in his first seven matches with Los Blancos, helping the team lead La Liga with a perfect 18 points.

Mbappe has demonstrated sharpness in attack with his finishing, along with improved chemistry with teammates, something that was less evident during his first season at Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal continues to be an inspiration in Barcelona’s playstyle as usual. The young Spanish star has only made three appearances due to injury but has still impressed with two goals and three assists. This shows Yamal is an irreplaceable figure on the right flank and promises even greater impact if he returns soon.

Additionally, another factor highlighting the high regard for Mbappe and Yamal in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race is that both stars currently play for top clubs and national teams.

There is no doubt that Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the favorites to win both La Liga and the Champions League. Meanwhile, winning the 2026 World Cup is also a target for both France and Spain next summer.

Therefore, if they perform excellently in these two tournaments, Mbappe, Yamal, or any other star could become the leading candidate for the prestigious 2026 Ballon d'Or award.

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