Rio Ferdinand Backs Harry Kane for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has publicly supported Harry Kane as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, countering claims favoring superstars such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. Kane concluded the 2025-26 season with 61 goals in 51 appearances, contributing significantly to Bayern Munich's consecutive Bundesliga titles and earning a second German Golden Boot with 36 league goals.

He also finished as England's top scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite the team not winning the tournament. Ferdinand's endorsement positions Kane to potentially become the first Englishman to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The ceremony is set for October 26 in London and is anticipated to be highly competitive, with other contenders including Spain's World Cup winners Rodri and Lamine Yamal, as well as Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain, who won the award in 2025.