Ballon d’Or 2026: Jamie Carragher snubs Harry Kane, names player to win award

Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, has ultimately cast doubt on England captain Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

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Carragher, however, insisted that Argentina captain Lionel Messi, France trio Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise or Ousmane Dembele would win the Ballon d’Or ahead of Kane if their countries eventually win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former England defender said via the Telegraph after Kane led England to beat DR Congo at the World Cup, “Based on the past 12 months, Kane should win the Ballon d’Or.

“Unfortunately, he probably won’t because in a World Cup year, it is bound to go to the star player of the winning nation.

“If Argentina retain the cup, Messi will win the Ballon d’Or. If France wins the competition, one of their key men [Michael  Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele] will get it,” he said.

Dembele won the Ballon d’Or last year ahead of Spain’s Lamine Yamal.