61 goals, three titles: Harry Kane emerges as Ballon d'Or 2026 favourite

Harry Kane has emerged as the strong favourite for the Ballon d’Or following a record season with Bayern Munich, marked by 61 goals in 51 matches across all competitions and three titles won with the Bavarian club.

The English striker spoke on the sidelines of the German Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund to discuss his candidacy with calculated caution. « The trophy doesn’t depend on me, it’s no longer in my hands. I’ve done everything I could do, in terms of performances. Now it’s up to the voters and the media, these are things I can’t control, » he said.

On the international stage, Kane also contributed to a solid run by the Three Lions at the World Cup, with England finishing third in the competition.

The former Tottenham player remains measured about his chances. « We’ll see what happens. Obviously, it would be incredible if it happened, but there are still two months before the decision. It’s not something that occupies my mind much at the moment, » he added.

His main competitors to succeed Ousmane Dembélé on the trophy’s roll of honour are Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on Monday 26 October in London, for the first time outside Paris, where it was usually held at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The event coincides with the 70th anniversary of the trophy, celebrated in tribute to Stanley Matthews.