Croatia's Stanišić Backs Kane for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Josip Stanišić, a Croatia defender, has selected England captain Harry Kane as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ahead of competitors Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Stanišić's endorsement comes before Croatia's international match against England, emphasizing his firsthand experience training with Kane at Bayern Munich.

He highlighted Kane's pressing, tracking back, and positional discipline, which are often overlooked. Kane had an impressive 2024/25 season, scoring over 70 goals for club and country, showcasing his consistency as a top performer.

Stanišić shared insights on the challenges of defending against Kane, noting his ability to find space and convert opportunities quickly. The 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set for October 26, 2026, at the London Palladium Theatre, marking the first time the event will be held outside Paris.

Kane is among a strong shortlist of contenders, and Stanišić's views may reflect broader sentiments from those who have faced him closely.