Bixente Lizarazu defends Harry Kane's team against Kylian Mbappé

It's a refrain that has been heard regularly since Monday evening: Bixente Lizarazu, appearing on France Info, says that Harry Kane's win of the 2026 Ballon d’Or illustrates collective football, in opposition to the more individualistic style displayed by Kylian Mbappé.

A refrain that repeats

Since Monday evening, the same refrain has been circulating in the media: many observers consider that Harry Kane's victory in the 2026 Ballon d’Or embodies collective football. They point out that this trophy rewards team contribution more than individual exploits.

Conversely, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal ran a very individualistic campaign to win over the jury, a campaign that proved futile. Bixente Lizarazu, appearing on France Info, described this approach as “annoying” and reminded that it did not influence the voters. He added that the electors voted as objectively as possible.

Numbers in the service of the collective

The consultant acknowledged that Kylian Mbappé has been a prolific scorer, finishing as the top assist provider in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup. However, Harry Kane scored more goals across all competitions, with a total of 73. This statistical difference, according to Lizarazu, reinforces the idea of a more overall impact from Kane.

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Lizarazu believes that the forward of Bayern Munich had more impact on the game than the captain of Les Bleus. He emphasizes that Kane's contribution goes beyond simply scoring, influencing the collective play.

“He represents a form of altruism and collective spirit,” said the 1998 World Cup champion. For him, seeing a Ballon d’Or awarded to an eminently collective player sends a good message in a football that tends toward individualism. He concluded by stating that this collective trophy fully satisfies him.

Bixente Lizarazu sees in this recognition a validation of team football. He hopes that this signal will encourage more players to prioritize the collective.