Olise picks Kane for 2026 Ballon d’Or over Henry’s Mbappe choice
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise has publicly disagreed with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry over who deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or, endorsing his teammate Harry Kane as the rightful winner. Olise said Kane should win because he was the best player last season, a shift from his earlier ranking where he placed Kylian Mbappe first and Kane second. Henry had previously named Mbappe as his top candidate for the award.
Olise’s endorsement comes from a recent video posted on X by Bayern Munich, where he highlighted Kane’s impressive 2025-26 season: the 33‑year‑old scored 72 goals for Bayern Munich and the England national team, helped Bayern clinch the Bundesliga title, and contributed to England’s bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup. These achievements, Olise argued, make Kane stand out above Mbappe for the individual honour.
For Nigerian football fans, this debate offers a fresh look at the form and impact of top European strikers, especially as conversations about African representation in global awards continue. It also shows how teammates at elite clubs can differ on who deserves football’s highest individual prize.
Do you think Kane’s goal‑scoring record and trophy haul outweigh Mbappe’s flair and potential, or does Henry’s pick still hold more weight for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?