As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its decisive semi-final stage, France captain Kylian Mbappe has emerged as the leading contender for the prestigious Golden Ball award, according to the latest prediction market rankings.
The semi-finals kick off on Tuesday with France taking on Spain, while England will face Argentina on Wednesday in two blockbuster fixtures that could determine the eventual winner of the tournament’s best player award.
According to prediction platform Polymarket, as cited by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mbappe currently tops the Golden Ball race with a 42 per cent chance of claiming the individual honour.
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The French forward has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, scoring eight goals and providing three assists to guide Les Bleus into the last four.
Close behind is Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has also enjoyed another impressive World Cup campaign. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has registered eight goals and two assists, giving him a 30 per cent chance of lifting the Golden Ball.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham sits in third place with a 17 per cent probability after contributing six goals and one assist in the tournament.
Rounding out the top four is England captain Harry Kane, who has also recorded six goals and one assist and is currently given a 5 per cent chance of winning the award.
With the semi-finals set to begin, standout performances in the remaining matches could significantly influence the race for the Golden Ball, one of the most coveted individual honours at the FIFA World Cup.
