England captain Harry Kane has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or following an outstanding season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country.
According to Sky News, the Bayern Munich striker leads the race for football’s most prestigious individual award ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London.
Kane faces competition from Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, who also enjoyed impressive individual campaigns.
The award ceremony will take place at The Palladium in London on Monday, October 26, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.
Speaking to Sky Sports News after Bayern Munich’s Champions League draw against Arsenal, Kane expressed excitement about the possibility of winning the award.
“I’d love to win it, but we will have to wait and see. A big night, but I’m not getting carried away,” he said.
Kane targets historic Ballon d’Or victory
The 33-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, scoring 73 goals across club and international competitions.
He helped Bayern Munich secure the German domestic double and reach the Champions League semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Kane also played a crucial role in England’s 2026 World Cup campaign, scoring six goals as the Three Lions finished third.
England defeated France in the third-place playoff after losing to Argentina in the semi-finals.
A victory on Monday would make Kane the first English footballer to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the honour in 2001.
He would also become only the fifth English player to receive the award, joining Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen.
The achievement would additionally end Bayern Munich’s 45-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.
Yamal, Mbappé challenge Kane for prestigious award
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal remains one of Kane’s strongest competitors after another successful season.
The 19-year-old helped Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, while contributing 25 goals and 20 assists across club and international football.
He was also part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad and could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history.
Meanwhile, Mbappé enters the contest following an impressive individual season despite Real Madrid’s struggles.
The French forward won the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals during the tournament.
He also became the competition’s all-time leading scorer, taking his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals.
At club level, Mbappé finished as La Liga’s leading scorer with 25 goals and registered another 15 in the Champions League.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist features 30 players, including Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and defending champion Ousmane Dembélé.
The winner will be announced during Monday night’s ceremony, with Kane hoping to end England’s 25-year wait for the prestigious individual honour.
