French police investigate suspected insider betting linked to Ballon d’Or rankings

French police are investigating suspected insider trading after a series of bets correctly predicted the exact order of the top five players in the men’s Ballon d’Or.

The bets were placed through 12 accounts on the prediction market Polymarket, according to French law enforcement sources who spoke to The Athletic on condition of anonymity.

The five players were Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi.

One source said the way the bettors managed their positions in the market suggested there may have been access to inside information.

French outlet Upside was the first to report the case before The Athletic confirmed it. The accounts are understood to have placed bets totalling €250,000 (about $281,000), generating profits of close to €200,000 (about $225,000).

People familiar with the events said France Football, the organiser of the Ballon d’Or, was warned about possible irregularities in the betting before the result was confirmed.

After the winners were announced, France Football began its own investigation and contacted the Central Racing and Gaming Service (SCCJ), the French police body responsible for gambling matters.

France Football says integrity is a priority

A Ballon d’Or spokesperson told The Athletic: “The integrity of the Ballon d’Or is an absolute priority for France Football. We would like to reiterate that the winner is selected through an independent vote, and that we take these allegations concerning leaked results and the possibility of fraudulent betting very seriously. Investigations are under way to establish the facts and any potential responsibility.”

The spokesperson added: “We are in the process of filing a complaint with the competent police authorities. As the investigations are ongoing, we cannot share further details at this stage.”

The claims have renewed scrutiny of prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi, which have faced criticism over the limited regulation governing their operations. That lack of oversight has raised concerns about the potential for insider trading.

Several US states have also taken legal action over the involvement of those platforms in sports betting. The cases are expected to reach the Supreme Court of the United States.