Suspicious Ballon d’Or betting activity tied to 12 cryptocurrency-based accounts is under investigation after correctly predicting the exact top-five finishing order of this year’s award, generating nearly $200,000 in winnings.
Event organizer France Football has contacted police as questions mount over how such precise predictions were made before the official results were announced.
Key Facts
- Suspicious Ballon d’Or betting generated almost $200,000 (£149,000) in winnings.
- Bets predicted the exact top-five men’s finishing order at the ceremony.
- Twelve accounts on Polymarket placed more than $264,000 in wagers.
- France Football has contacted the police regarding the allegations.
- Harry Kane won, ahead of Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Lionel Messi.
How Did We Get Here?
Sports betting markets often allow wagers on major awards, including the Ballon d’Or. However, unusually accurate bets that match the final outcome exactly raise red flags among regulators and organizers.
In this case, 12 accounts linked to Polymarket—a U.S.-based crypto prediction platform—placed bets totaling over $264,000 shortly before the ceremony. These same accounts reportedly shared identical selections for the top five players, matching the final standings precisely.
The connection was uncovered through an investigation by French media outlet Upside, prompting France Football to launch its own review and involve law enforcement.
What Happens Next?
France Football has initiated an internal inquiry and contacted authorities, suggesting potential criminal implications if confidential information was leaked ahead of time.
Polymarket has not yet issued a public statement addressing the claims. Meanwhile, the broader controversy casts doubt on the integrity of both the award selection process and digital betting platforms using cryptocurrency.
Investigators will likely examine betting timelines, account ownership records, and whether insider knowledge was used improperly to place these wagers.
What We Know — And What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Twelve Polymarket accounts placed bets exceeding $264,000.
- Winnings totaled almost $200,000 (£149,000).
- France Football contacted police.
- Final order: Kane, Mbappé, Yamal, Rodri, Messi.
Still unconfirmed:
- Identity of the individuals behind the 12 accounts.
- Exact timing of when bets were placed.
- Whether any leaked data originated from official sources.
- Potential motives or coordination among bettors.
Why It Matters
Integrity in global sports awards depends on transparency and fair play. When large-scale bets align perfectly with outcomes, it undermines public trust in the legitimacy of the process—especially when crypto platforms enable anonymous transactions across borders.
What To Watch
Authorities may expand their investigation beyond France Football’s scope, particularly if evidence surfaces linking any insider access to the betting outcomes. Updates from Polymarket or additional law enforcement disclosures could shed further light on the situation.