FC Bayern München v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 - Source: Getty
FC Bayern München v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 - Source: Getty
Arsenal star Declan Rice has backed England teammate Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or later this month.
The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to be held in London on Monday (26th October). It is set to be one of the most tightly contested editions of the award, as there are multiple players who can claim that they have been the best player in the world in the past year.
Arsenal star Declan Rice, though, has backed his England teammate Harry Kane to win the award this year. Speaking to the mixed zone after the Gunners' 2-2 draw against Kane's Bayern Munich, the English midfielder has sent his support to the veteran Three Lions striker.
Rice claimed that Kane's numbers over the past year speak for themselves and shared his experience of playing alongside and against him. When asked about Kane's Ballon d'Or chances, Rice said (via Metro UK):
"He is the clear winner; his numbers speak for themselves. The year he has had has been remarkable. When you play with him, you realise how good he is, and when you play against him you see how much of a pain it is."
He then added:
"He is ridiculous, such a good player, and I am lucky I can play with him, not so lucky I have to play against him."
If Kane wins the Ballon d'Or, he will become the first Englishman to win since Michael Owen, who won it in 2001. He will become the fifth Englishman to win the award after Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen if he triumphs on October 26th.
Kane is set to face fierce competition from Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, and France and Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappe for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Harry Kane responds when asked if he'd like to know about the Ballon d'Or winner before the award ceremony
Harry Kane, who is among the favorites for the award this year, responded when asked if he would like to know the winner before the ceremony. Speaking after Bayern's draw against Arsenal, he said (via The Guardian):
“From my point of view, of course I’d love to know to just kind of see and not have to wait throughout the whole night. But it is their decision, I can’t control that. We’ll have to just enjoy it and try not to stress out too much. I try not to think about it. Obviously it is hard not to. There are always rumours and stuff flying around so you try to stay away from it.”