Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has publicly backed his England teammate, Harry Kane, to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the striker as the “clear winner” of the award.
Rice’s endorsement comes in recognition of Kane’s continued high-level performance for German club Bayern Munich. The England forward has maintained a prolific scoring record, a factor Rice believes distinguishes him from other contenders for football’s most prestigious individual honor.
By labeling Kane the definitive choice, Rice highlighted the striker’s impact on the pitch during the recent campaign. The comments serve as a strong vote of confidence from a fellow international teammate, underscoring Kane’s status as a leading candidate for the accolade.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the world’s best footballer, with the 2026 edition expected to feature a competitive field of top-tier players. However, Rice’s assertion suggests that Kane’s form at Bayern Munich has set him apart in the eyes of his peers.
While official voting results for the 2026 award have not yet been finalized, such public support from prominent figures like Rice adds significant weight to Kane’s campaign. The striker’s consistent output remains a central talking point in discussions surrounding the award’s eventual recipient.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>