For years, Harry Kane has had to watch other players receive the individual recognition that many believed his performances deserved. In 2026, however, that could finally be changing.
The Bayern Munich striker has emerged as the clear favorite for the Ballon d’Or, with the latest Betway odds placing him at 4/7 to claim football’s most prestigious individual prize.
That position is hardly surprising after what Kane produced over the past year. The England captain scored an astonishing 73 goals for club
and country, continuing a career-long pattern of elite production while adding another remarkable chapter to his time at Bayern Munich.
Kane has established himself as one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation, yet major individual awards have consistently eluded him. The Ballon d’Or has been particularly frustrating, with Kane never finishing higher than fifth in the voting.
Now, perhaps more than ever, Kane has a legitimate opportunity to change that.
Lamine Yamal is next at 4/1, followed by Rodri at 5/1 and Kylian Mbappé at 6/1. Bayern Munich teammates Michael Olise (40/1), Dayot Upamecano (100/1) and Luis Díaz (150/1) are also among the nominees.
Lewis Knowles, Betway’s spokesperson, explained why Kane has moved ahead of Yamal.
“Only a few months ago, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane were locking horns as joint favourites at the head of our Ballon d’Or betting, but following good support in recent weeks, the Bayern Munich man has emerged as the clear favourite and is now odds-on at 4/7 to become first Englishman since Michael Owen 25 years ago to win one of football’s most coveted prizes,” said Knowles.
Kane is no longer simply hoping to receive the recognition his career deserves. He is now the man everyone else has to catch.
And after everything Kane has accomplished, it is about time.
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