Rice backs Kane for Ballon d'Or, rules out Arsenal rival
Declan Rice has made it clear that he wants Harry Kane to win the Ballon d'Or and that the award will not go to an Arsenal player. The England midfielder, himself a nominee, said the German striker is his pick for the Golden Ball.
Rice’s own season has been prolific: he helped Arsenal clinch the Premier League, reach the Champions League final and played a part in England’s run to the World Cup semi‑finals. Those achievements place him among the thirty nominees for the award.
Kane's stellar year
Harry Kane, now a Bayern Munich superstar and former Tottenham forward, enjoyed a remarkable campaign. He scored seventy‑three goals in sixty‑five matches for club and country and helped Bayern retain the German crown, making him the favourite for the Ballon d'Or, which will be presented in London later this year.
“It’s the second year in a row I have been nominated. It’s obviously really good, I’m really proud. Obviously I know who I want to win it. I’d love to see Harry Kane win it, so I’m wishing him all the best in that,” Rice said. The quote appeared in a piece by Samuel Meade, Sports Brand Writer, posted at 13:57 on 10 Sep 2026. Comments Sport Samuel Meade, Sports Brand Writer, posted at 13:57 on 10 Sep 2026. View 2 Images.
Thomas Tuchel praises Bayern striker Harry Kane for extraordinary hunger
Wider race for the Golden Ball
Rice is one of three Arsenal nominees, alongside Gabriel and William Saliba, whose central defensive partnership is praised as among Europe’s best. Beyond England, PSG retained the Champions League crown while Spain, fresh from their Euro 2024 triumph, won the World Cup, widening the field.
Other contenders mentioned include Ousmane Dembele, the current holder, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Fabian Ruiz is the only player to have featured for both PSG and Spain, though expectations of him winning are modest.
Last season, Michael Olise, a Frenchman, beat Kane for the best Bundesliga player award, and Kylian Mbappé broke the World Cup goal‑scoring record but finished the season trophy‑less. Since Luka Modrić ended the Messi‑Ronaldo duopoly in 2018, five different players have lifted the Ballon d'Or in seven years.
Kane joins Shilton with 125 caps for England
The Golden Ball ceremony will take place in London later this year, offering Kane the chance to become the first English winner in a quarter of a century. Fans across the US and ON‑line platforms will be watching closely.