Dean Ashton says Harry Kane lacks wow factor for Ballon d’Or
Former England striker Dean Ashton told that Harry Kane should not win the Ballon d’Or this evening because the England captain lacks the ‘wow’ factor that defines the award, arguing that Spain’s Lamine Yamal is a more deserving candidate.
Ashton’s wow‑factor argument
Dean Ashton told that Harry Kane should not win the Ballon d’Or this evening because the England captain lacks the ‘wow’ factor that defines the award. He added that Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who lifted the World Cup this summer, is a more deserving candidate. Why Ashton believes Yamal deserves the honour is that his talent leaves fans and fellow professionals gasping.
The English striker’s 73‑goal haul in the 2025/26 season is undeniably prolific, and he has amassed 102 goals in 101 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern, based in Munich. He also recorded nine consecutive Champions League goals, underscoring his finishing prowess. Yet Ashton maintains that these numbers alone do not provide the extraordinary spectacle required for a Ballon d’Or win.
Keown’s counter‑point and ceremony details
Arsenal legend Martin Keown immediately defended the English striker, calling him the best all‑round centre‑forward in the race. Keown highlighted Kane’s eye‑catching finishing and his record of 102 goals for Bayern and nine straight Champions League strikes as proof of his worthiness. He said he “100 per cent” believes Kane should lift the Ballon d’Or tonight.
Kane could become the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen lifted the trophy 25 years ago. That historic gap adds extra significance to the debate surrounding the English captain’s chances.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be staged at the London Palladium Theatre tonight, with the presentation set to begin at 8 pm. The event’s visual package includes a Getty photograph of the trophy on display.
As the evening unfolds, the football world will decide whether the award favours statistical brilliance or the elusive wow factor. Whatever the outcome, the discussion sparked by Ashton and Keown will linger long after the night’s celebrations.