Ballon d’Or 2026: Harry Kane’s triumph sparks major controversy

Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or in London ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, becoming the fifth English winner and the first since Michael Owen in 2001, at age 33. His season included a German league title, a Champions League semi-final, a World Cup semi-final with England and the Gerd Müller Trophy as top scorer. Critics in Spain challenged the result: Yamal’s uncle objected to Kane’s win, Spanish jury voter José Félix Díaz said he had expected Mbappé or Yamal to prevail, and Guti insinuated—without evidence—that holding the ceremony in London benefited Kane. In France, Samir Nasri also voiced skepticism on Canal+, though the provided text cuts off before detailing his view.