Shearer tips Kane and Yamal for 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Monday ceremony
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has named Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal as the two leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, to be awarded Monday in London. Shearer, writing in his column, said: "I know the two leading favorites are Yamal and Kane, but Mbappe and perhaps Rodri are also on the shortlist." He added Kane "deserves to win" the prize.
Kane, now at Bayern Munich, scored over 70 goals across all competitions for club and country last season, claiming the European Golden Boot. He won the Bundesliga title but missed out on the World Cup with England. Yamal, 17, starred as Spain won the World Cup and also lifted LaLiga with Barcelona.
The ceremony takes place Monday, October 26, in London. For Nigerian football fans who follow European leagues religiously, this year's race pits raw goal-scoring dominance against a historic World Cup breakthrough by a teenager.
Shearer's view carries weight—he won the Premier League golden boot three times and knows what elite scoring looks like. But voters often reward tournament success, which Yamal has and Kane doesn't.
Will the Golden Boot winner finally get his Ballon d'Or, or does the World Cup winner's medal swing it for Yamal?