Šmicer names Harry Kane as favourite to win 2026 Ballon d’Or over Mbappe, Yamal
Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimír Šmicer named Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as the big favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, stating Kane deserves it most for his career achievements. The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as football’s top individual award. Šmicer’s endorsement highlights Kane’s consistent performance despite a mixed World Cup for Mbappe and Yamal’s limited World Cup showing. It influences fan perceptions and betting odds ahead of the award ceremony. The award ceremony, typically held later in the year, often sparks debate about the criteria for football’s greatest accolade. Kane, Mbappe and Yamal are among the 30-player shortlist for this year’s award. Šmicer told Grosvenor Sport that Kane’s career body of work makes him the top contender. As the award approaches, consider whether career longevity or recent tournament success should weigh more in deciding the winner. Should the Ballon d’Or reward a player’s overall career body of work, or prioritize recent tournament performances like Mbappe’s strong World Cup?