Kane, Mbappe open up on 2026 Ballon d’Or chances
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane of Bundesliga club Bayern Munich have both opened up on their individual chances of winning the coveted 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
Both lethal strikers who delivered strong performances for their respective clubs last season were both named in the 30-man list announced by France Football on September 8, 2026.
Speaking to AS ahead of the official award ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium, Mbappe said this is the year for him to win it.
He said; “I think this is a good year for me to win it, but it does NOT depend on me.
“My job is to help my teammates, do my best, and convince the voters.
Kane who was interviewed by Marca said that he would not like to blow his trumpet ahead of the awards ceremony but the 73 goals he scored across all competitions last season will do the talking for him.
“I don’t like to speak about myself… 73 goals speak for themselves.
“It’s been the best season of my life, by far”, the striker noted.
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Barcelona midfielder Gavi and Karim Adeyemi are both rooting for their teammate, Lamine Yamal who was also named in the 30-man Ballon d’Or list.
Gavi said; “Lamine Yamal is my Ballon d’Or winner. He’s the best”.
Karim Adeyemi supported him saying; “Lamine Yamal is a clear candidate to win the Ballon d’Or and it would be well deserved”.
However, Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul who spoke to TUDN Mexico differed on the opinion shared by Gavi and Adeyemi saying Lionel Messi should win it without doubt.
He said; “In my opinion, Leo Messi should win the Ballon d’Or”.
“For me there is no discussion, what he did at this World Cup at the age of 39 and being the best player of the tournament… no one will do anything like that ever again,” De Paul noted.
The favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or will however contend with other names on the star-studded list that features heavy representation from European champions Paris Saint-Germain and current holder Rodri.
