Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal are the leading contenders for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, with the Bayern Munich striker emerging as the bookmakers’ favourite ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London.
Advertisment
Kane is aiming to become the first Englishman to win the football’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen claimed it in 2001.
Advertisment
His prolific scoring record for Bayern Munich and England has strengthened his case, although Mbappe and Yamal offer compelling alternatives.
Advertisment
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has also backed Kane to win the award, which recognises performances during the 2025/26 season, from August 3, 2025, to July 19, 2026.
Advertisment
Kane’s goals strengthen his claim
Kane scored 73 goals for club and country during the campaign, including 61 for Bayern across all competitions and 12 for England.
Advertisment
His club tally was 19 higher than that of any other player in Europe’s five major leagues. It also matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s total for Real Madrid in the 2014/15 season.
Advertisment
Advertisment
The England captain won the European Golden Shoe for the second time and helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga and German Cup. His six goals at the 2026 World Cup also made him England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
Advertisment
Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals before losing 6-5 on aggregate to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, giving Kane a stronger European campaign than either of his main rivals.
Advertisment
Asked about his chances after Bayern’s Champions League draw against Arsenal, Kane told Sky Sports News: “It’d be incredible if I do. It’d be special for sure. I’d love to win it, but we will have to wait and see. A big night, but I’m not getting carried away.”
Advertisment
Mbappe and Yamal offer strong competition
Advertisment
Mbappe has moved into second place in the betting after scoring 58 goals for club and country. The Real Madrid forward finished as La Liga’s leading scorer with 25 goals and topped the Champions League scoring charts with 15, despite his side’s quarter-final exit.
Advertisment
He also claimed the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, taking his career total at the tournament to a record 22. However, he ended the season without a major trophy for club or country.
Advertisment
Yamal, meanwhile, scored 25 goals and registered 20 assists, giving him 45 goal involvements. Although his totals trail Kane’s 81 and Mbappe’s 71, the Barcelona winger excelled creatively, recording 265 dribbles across Europe’s top-five leagues.
Advertisment
The 19-year-old also helped Spain win the World Cup, despite a hamstring injury disrupting his preparations. He is seeking to become the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winner.
Advertisment
Kane’s domestic success and scoring numbers give him a strong case, while Yamal’s World Cup triumph and Mbappe’s individual goal-scoring achievements could influence voters. The outcome of the 70th edition of the award will be revealed on Monday night 9:00pm (WAT).
Advertisment
