Kane, Yamal, Rodri and others: we talk about the main contenders for the Ballon d'Or

The World Cup has traditionally become the main catalyst for changes in the race for the Golden Ball. Spain's victory dramatically raised the chances of its leaders, while most of the players of the national teams who did not reach the finals noticeably lost ground. Bookmakers have already updated the odds on the winner of the most prestigious individual award in football - we understand why these players are among the favorites. Harry Kane - 2.5 The World Cup became for Harry Kane, perhaps, the best opportunity in his career to win the Ballon d'Or. England reached the semi-finals, and the forward himself once again confirmed the status of one of the best scorers in the world, although he was silent in the decisive playoff matches. Add to that a strong club season and Kane looks to be one of the main favorites in the race for the individual award. Lamine Yamal — 3.0 Spain's victory at the World Cup significantly improved Yamal's position in the ranking of contenders. At the same time, he did not spend the tournament as brightly as many expected: he was useful in the team game, but did not become the main star of the playoffs. However, the championship title and a strong season at the club level leave him among the main favorites. Rhodri — 4.5 Rodri was a system-forming football player of the Spanish national team. It was through him that most of the attacks passed, he controlled the tempo, won the battle in midfield and ensured the balance between defense and attack. Such players rarely get much attention, but without Rodri, Spain's championship journey would hardly have been possible. Moreover, he has already proven that he can receive similar awards. Kylian Mbappe — 6.0 Before the start of the World Cup, Mbappe was considered by many to be the main contender for the Ballon d'Or. France failed to reach the final, but Kylian remained their most dangerous player and finished the tournament as the top scorer. Defeat in the semi-finals seriously reduced his chances, but he was not eliminated from the race. Lionel Messi — 11 Messi once again became the leader of Argentina and helped the team reach the final of the World Cup. He regularly decided the fate of matches and once again demonstrated football intelligence of the highest level. However, the defeat in the final, most likely, deprived the Argentine of the chance for another Golden Ball. Ousmane Dembele — 17 Dembele had a quality season and was an important part of the French attack, but did not become a defining player at the World Cup. His contribution was noticeable, but in key matches it was Mbappe who remained France's main weapon. Because of this, Dembele's chances of winning the vote remain low. Fabian Ruiz — 17 Fabian Ruiz has become one of the most important elements of champion Spain. He did a huge amount of work in the middle of the field, helped to advance the ball and regularly joined the attacks. His contribution is not always visible during the game, but it is these players who often determine the success of the team. Khvicha Kvaratsheliya — 21 Kvaratzhelia did not feature at the World Cup, but remains among the contenders thanks to a brilliant season at club level. The Georgian has become one of PSG's leaders, scoring 30 goals in all competitions and making a significant contribution to winning trophies. At the same time, his absence from the main tournament of the year practically leaves him no chance to really compete for the Golden Ball. Pau Kubarsi — 23 For 19-year-old Kubarsi, just getting on this list is a great achievement. The defender had a very mature World Cup and became an important part of the best defense in the tournament. However, it is traditionally much more difficult for central defenders to win the Ballon d'Or than attacking footballers. Mikael Olise — 26 Olise did not become one of the best scorers of the tournament, but once again demonstrated his strengths as a playmaker. It was at this World Cup that he broke Pele's record for the number of assists in a single World Cup, but the lack of a large number of goals and the exit of France in the semi-finals significantly reduces his chances of an individual award. Jude Bellingham — 26 Bellingham once again confirmed that he is one of the most versatile midfielders in the world. He was England's leading tackler and influenced the game in both phases. At the same time, the lack of success with Real, the final of the World Cup and the international title is unlikely to allow him to seriously compete for the Golden Ball. Erling Holland — 51 Norway unexpectedly went far at the World Cup, and Holland himself once again had a productive season at the club level. However, this is not enough to fight for the Golden Ball: the competitors won the World Cup or played in the final. That is why the odds for the Norwegian's victory remain the same