Bavarian Football Works
Lothar Matthäus has publicly endorsed Harry Kane as the leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. He argues that Kane's consistent performance and lack of off-pitch controversy make him more deserving than other contenders like Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappé.
Why it matters
The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual award in professional football, and public endorsements from legends influence the discourse surrounding the sport's top honors.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane had a sensational 2025/26 campaign, which was his best season ever for club and country combined.
Was it good enough to win the Ballon d’Or? Well, Lothar Matthäus sure thinks so and told as much to Sky Germany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
> For me, Harry Kane is the leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. I look at the entire year, not just one game or one World Cup. Several players won the Spanish league with Barcelona and then became world champions with Spain, but was there THE one player who stood head and shoulders above everyone else? In Lamine Yamal’s case, I would say no.
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