Ballon d’Or 2026: Can Bayern’s Harry Kane end England’s 25 years of hurt?
Bayern Munich striker Kane faces tough competition from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, who are also in the running.
When the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony gets under way at the London Palladium this Monday, much of England will hope it serves as a good omen.
After all, the English haven’t seen one of their own lift the golden ball – football’s most prestigious individual award – in 25 years.
Michael Owen was the embodiment of English pride when he won the accolade in 2001. Now, it is Harry Kane who could bring his nation an honour every footballer dreams of.
But his failure to make an impact in the Champions League semifinal cost Bayern Europe’s most coveted club trophy, and the same was the case at the recent World Cup, where he finished third with England.