Ballon d’Or odds revealed after Spain beat Argentina in World Cup final

An inspired Rodri captained Spain to a famous World Cup victory over Argentina to further strengthen his case for a second Ballon d’Or award on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder remains a slight outsider to claim this year’s Ballon d’Or, though, with Harry Kane backed as the 13/8 frontrunner by Betfair despite England’s painful exit at the semi-final stage.

It was a thunderous extra-time strike from substitute Ferran Torres that proved the difference for Spain in a bad-tempered final against Argentina, who lost Enzo Fernandez to a red card in the 93rd minute.

The scrappy contest was marred by skullduggery, gamesmanship and questionable tactics from Argentina throughout – and this extended beyond the final whistle as Leandro Parades was also sent off for violent conduct.

But any feelings of animosity and hostility were soon replaced by joy as Rodri gathered with his fellow countryman on the podium to hold the coveted trophy aloft at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

There was another accolade to follow for Rodri, who claimed the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player at the tournament, while Paul Cubarsi was named the best young player.

Elsewhere, Unai Simon came away with the Golden Glove award and France’s Kylian Mbappe finished as the top scorer to clinch the Golden Boot for a second time in his career.

The handing out of individual gongs inevitably sparked further debate surrounding the potential candidates to get their hands on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award later this year.

Unsurprisingly, there is a strong contingent of Spaniards amongst the bookmakers’ favourites – but the star-studded list is topped by England and Bayern Munich centre-forward Kane.

As it stands, Yamal, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are also ahead of Rodri going by Betfair’s odds.

Ousmane Dembele – who won the award in 2025 – is now 14/1 to defend his crown after France were denied a place in this summer’s World Cup final by the eventual winners Spain.

This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 2026. It will be decided based on the results of the period running from August 1, 2025, through to 31 July, 2026.

Betfair spokesperson James Mackie explained: ‘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.

‘Harry Kane remains the favourite for the prize, with the England striker 13/8 after scoring 72 goals for club and country last season. He is ahead of Lamine Yamal (9/4) and Kylian Mbappe (7/2).

‘Lionel Messi’s World Cup was a reminder to the world of his GOAT credentials and he has shortened from 66/1 into 11/4 after steering Argentina to the final.’

Rodr finished above Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d’Or two years ago, a decision that led Real Madrid to boycott the awards ceremony.

It came just a month after Rodri had torn his ACL during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League, a devastating injury that ruled the midfielder out for vast majority of that season.

After Spain’s triumph on Sunday, the former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal man made sure to thank fans for the support he had received to help him come back 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

‘Everything I’m going through doesn’t make much sense. I try to do the best I can.

‘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.’

Despite Argentina’s questionable tactics, Rodri applauded Lionel Scaloni’s squad on their ‘incredible achievement’ of 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 added.

‘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.’

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