Lothar Matthäus wants Harry Kane as 2026 Ballon d’Or in the Bundesliga

Lothar Matthäus, former midfielder of Bayern Munich, said that the 2026 Ballon d’Or will be awarded to a player playing in the Bundesliga, in particular to Harry Kane, despite competition from Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé and Lionel Messi.

Predicted Candidates

Supporters mention many contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, including Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé and Lionel Messi, each generating different preferences.

Former players also share their views; Lothar Matthäus expressed his, emphasizing that the choice is not limited to individual performances alone.

Lothar Matthäus' Opinion

“Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are not more the top favourites of the 2026 edition than others,” Matthäus affirmed, reminding that the vote is based on several criteria.

He described the FC Barcelona player as “exceptional”, but clarified that the past season was not unequivocally his, the Spanish league title and the 2026 World Cup victory being the result of a collective effort.

Kane’s stay at Bayern forces Barcelona to chase Haaland

For him, the weight of the titles won strongly influences the voters, which, according to Matthäus, prevents Kylian Mbappé from being an undisputed favourite.

Lothar Matthäus said on Sky Sport that “Harry Kane is the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup this year”, even though he has not won a title with Real Madrid.

He added that, in his view, the Ballon d’Or winner will be in the Bundesliga, specifically at Bayern Munich, and that he would like to see Harry Kane lift the trophy.

Matthäus recalled that Kane’s résumé includes strengths – national titles with Bayern – but also weaknesses, such as a Champions League semi‑final and another semi‑final at the World Cup with the Three Lions. The verdict will be announced on October 26, alongside the successor of Ousmane Dembélé.