Rice backs Kane to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Bayern Munich forward and England Captain, Harry Kane Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has thrown his full support behind England teammate Harry Kane, declaring the Bayern Munich striker the “clear winner” of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, Rice was full of praise for Kane’s performance and his outstanding season as a whole.

“For me, Harry is the clear winner of the Ballon d’Or 2026,” Rice told footballontnt on Wednesday.

“His numbers speak for themselves. For a striker to play that pass for their first goal then take the penalty how he did… he’s ridiculous, he’s such a good player, insane!”
Kane was influential in the match at the Allianz Arena, providing a pinpoint assist before converting a penalty as Bayern fought back to secure a point against the Premier League side.

Both players found the net in an entertaining encounter that left Rice in awe of his international colleague.

The Arsenal star went further in his assessment, highlighting Kane’s all-round excellence.

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“His numbers speak for themselves. The year he’s had has been remarkable. He’s obviously up against some other world-class players but 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.”

Kane enters the final stretch of the Ballon d’Or race as the bookmakers’ favourite. The England captain enjoyed a prolific 2025-26 campaign, scoring 73 goals for club and country.

He helped Bayern Munich claim the Bundesliga title and played a key role as England finished third at the World Cup.

His main challengers are expected to be Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, setting up what promises to be a closely contested vote.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October, the first time the prestigious awards night has been held outside Paris.

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