Former France international Emmanuel Petit has cast doubt on Harry Kane's chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or following England's early exit from the World Cup.
Petit criticized Kane's inability to deliver in crucial moments during both Bayern Munich's Champions League campaigns and the recent World Cup knockout stages. Despite Kane's strong goal-scoring record in the Bundesliga, Petit argued that success in domestic leagues alone is insufficient for Ballon d'Or consideration.
"If you look only at his Bundesliga stats, he’s impressive. But when it got tough in the Champions League and for England, he seemed to disappear," Petit told GOAL.
Top Contenders Named
When asked about potential frontrunners for the prestigious award, Petit mentioned several standout performers from the World Cup without naming a definitive favorite. Among those he highlighted were:
- Lamine Yamal – The young Spanish talent who impressed throughout the tournament and currently leads the updated Ballon d'Or rankings.
- Rodri – The Spanish midfielder, recognized for his consistent high-level performances on the international stage.
- Lionel Messi – Despite his World Cup success, Petit noted that Messi's club situation with Inter Miami adds complexity to his Ballon d'Or prospects.
With fierce competition from players like Kylian Mbappé and others, the race for the 2026 Ballon d'Or remains wide open ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for October 26.
