Super Eagles stars Ilenikhena, Okonkwo pick Mbappe, Kane for Ballon d'Or 2026
Super Eagles stars George Ilenikhena and Arthur Okonkwo have shared their Ballon d'Or 2026 predictions, naming Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane as top contenders ahead of next month's ceremony in England. Published today, the report by Don Silas quotes Ilenikhena telling PoojaMedia: 'This year, I have many players like Mbappe and Kane. They can both win the Ballon d'Or this year,' while Okonkwo specifically picked Mbappe, stating 'Kylian Mbappe. Because he scored the most goals and everything. He is the best player this season.'
The 30-player shortlist includes Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, and last year's winner Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele. The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced next month at the ceremony in England, continuing the tradition of football's most prestigious individual award.
For Nigerian fans tracking the Super Eagles' stars in European leagues, this insight reveals which global stars their compatriots consider elite. With Mbappe's goal-scoring form and Kane's all-around performance highlighted as key factors, will the actual Ballon d'Or verdict align with these Eagles-endorsed predictions when the winner is revealed next month?