Kylian Mbappe tops most-backed players list among ArenaPlus users during FIFA World Cup

Kylian Mbappe may have fallen short of lifting football’s biggest prize once again, but when it came to the confidence of ArenaPlus users, the French superstar stood above the rest.

According to the latest data from ArenaPlus, the No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, Mbappe emerged as the most-backed player throughout the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, accounting for 20.24 percent of the total player bet count.

These figures reflected users’ confidence in the French star’s scoring ability.

Mbappe ultimately ended up with another prolific campaign, scoring 10 goals to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot he first won in Qatar in 2022.

France’s bid for back-to-back World Cup final appearances, however, ended in the semifinals after a loss to eventual champion Spain.

Right behind Mbappe was none other than Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who accounted for 16.32 percent of the total player bet count.

The Argentine legend once again delivered on football’s biggest stage, scoring eight goals to help Argentina reach the final before falling to Spain, 1-0, on July 20 (Philippine time) in what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance.

Norway’s Erling Haaland ranked third with 8.34 percent of the total player bet count, while Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and England’s Harry Kane rounded out the Top 5 with 6.72 percent and 6.48 percent, respectively.

Spanish teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also enjoyed strong backing from ArenaPlus users, tying Kane with 6.48 percent of the total player bet count after playing a key role in Spain’s championship run.

Completing the Top 10 were France’s Ousmane Dembele (4.57 percent), Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (4.04 percent), England’s Jude Bellingham (3.10 percent), and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (2.79 percent).

“The FIFA World Cup always brings together the biggest names in football, and it’s exciting to see ArenaPlus users rally behind the players they believe can make the biggest impact,” said Ethan William, Head of ArenaPlus.

“More than the rankings themselves, the data reflects Filipinos’ growing interest in football. Every FIFA World Cup brings new fans to the sport, and it’s encouraging to see that enthusiasm continue to grow through the way our users engaged with the tournament.”