Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise have both thrown their support behind Harry Kane for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, overlooking fellow nominee Kylian Mbappé.
Rice, nominated for the second successive year after helping Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final while featuring for England at the World Cup, made his preference clear.
“It’s the second year in a row I have been nominated. It’s obviously really good, I’m really proud. Obviously I know who I want to win it. I’d love to see Harry Kane win it, so I’m wishing him all the best in that,” the England international said.
Olise, Kane’s Bayern teammate and another shortlisted player after a standout season of high goal and assist numbers, was equally direct. In a club video asking why Kane should win the award, the France international replied simply: “Because he was the best player last season.”
Kane is the bookmakers’ favourite after a remarkable campaign that delivered 73 goals across 65 matches for club and country, plus another Bundesliga title.
Mbappé remains a strong contender following prolific scoring for Real Madrid and a second successive World Cup Golden Boot, but he ended the season without major silverware.
The 30-man shortlist was revealed on 8 September, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in London on 26 October.
