Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘They’re ahead of Kane’ – Petit names three favourites to win award

Former France international, Emmanuel Petit, has named three favourites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of England captain Harry Kane.

Petit believes Kane’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year are over because players like Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Rodri are ahead of him.

“Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or chances are over. If you base that only on the German league, no problem at all,” Petit said as quoted by GOAL via Mr Gamble.

“But in the Champions League and with the national team, I think he disappeared. So I think there are a few names ahead of him,” he said.

Asked for the players likely to win the Ballon d’Or ahead of the Bayern Munich striker, Petit added, “Yamal. He had a great World Cup.

“Rodri has been the best player again during this World Cup. Messi had a great competition, but he plays for Inter Miami,” he stated.

The organizers of the Ballon d’Or will announce the winner of the award in October.