Ballon d’Or 2026: Huth Names Mbappe, Yamal as Favourites, Rules Out Kane

Former Chelsea defender Robert Huth has identified Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal as the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while insisting that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is unlikely to win football’s most prestigious individual award.

Huth shared his views while discussing this year’s Ballon d’Or race, praising Kane’s consistency but arguing that several players have produced more exciting performances over the past season.

The former Germany international acknowledged the England captain’s impressive form at Bayern Munich, saying the striker deserves recognition among the top performers in world football.

“Harry Kane should be nominated for the Ballon d’Or. He had a couple of good seasons with Bayern Munich,” Huth said, according to Planet Football.

Despite the praise, Huth believes Kane’s achievements are not enough to place him at the top of the Ballon d’Or rankings.

“He should be in the top 10. He is an amazing player, but in my opinion, there are a few more exciting players ahead of him,” he added.

Asked to identify the strongest candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Huth singled out Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe, as well as Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

The former Chelsea defender said Mbappe’s performances during the FIFA World Cup had strengthened his case for the award, while Yamal has continued to impress with his maturity and exceptional talent despite his young age.

“I have really enjoyed Mbappe at the World Cup. Yamal was obviously the most amazing,” Huth said.

Both players have been widely tipped among football analysts as leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or following outstanding performances for club and country.

Mbappe has continued to establish himself among the world’s elite forwards, while Yamal has enjoyed a remarkable rise, becoming one of the brightest young talents in global football.

The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the player considered to have delivered the best overall performances during the qualifying period, taking into account achievements for both club and national teams.

The 2026 race is expected to feature intense competition, with several high-profile players producing outstanding campaigns, but Huth believes Mbappe and Yamal currently stand above the rest in the battle for the coveted prize.