Rice names Kane 'clear winner' for Ballon d'Or after Bayern star shines in 2-2 Arsenal draw

Declan Rice has named Harry Kane as the “clear winner” of the Ballon d’Or after the Bayern Munich striker played a decisive role in a 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

Kane was involved in both of Bayern’s goals, threading an inch-perfect pass from deep to set up Alphonso Davies’ equaliser before converting a penalty to put the hosts ahead. Rice ultimately rescued a point for Arsenal with eight minutes remaining, finishing off a well-worked team move — but the Arsenal midfielder was quick to credit his England captain after the final whistle.

“For me, he’s the clear winner,” Rice said. “I think his numbers speak for himself. The year he’s had has been remarkable. He’s obviously up against some other world-class players, but when you play with him, you realise how good he is, and when you play against him, you see how much of a pain it is.”

Rice was particularly struck by the quality of Kane’s assist. “As a striker, to play that pass that he did for that goal, and then obviously took the penalty how he did, it’s just… yeah, he’s ridiculous. He’s such a good player and I’m lucky I can play with him and also lucky I have to play against him.”

Kane recorded 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season, a return that has made him the frontrunner heading into the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday 26 October. His primary rival is Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who lifted the World Cup with Spain over the summer.

Kane himself struck a measured tone when asked about his chances. “It would be amazing to win,” he told UEFA. “The voting closed a long time ago so there’s nothing I can do, just wait and see what happens.”