Ballon d’Or 2026: Michael Owen names two favourites to win award

Former Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has named two favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Thirty players have already been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, and the winner will be announced in London next month.

However, Owen believes Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Barcelona’s Rodri are the two favourites to win the award.

“There are a few contenders, but you wouldn’t say there’s a massive standout. Harry Kane did incredibly well for Bayern Munich, the amount of goals he scored. Of course, he had a very, very good World Cup,” Owen was quoted by Bavarian Football Works as saying via Casino.org.

“I mean, who else is there? I thought Rodri was outstanding. He won the domestic double at Man City (FA Cup and Carabao Cup).

“Of course, after that, Rodri went on to win a World Cup, and he was probably the best player in the tournament. If I were voting, it would be between those two players.”