Harry Kane is currently the bookmakers' favourite to win the Ballon d'Or, with the shortlist for the prestigious award due to be announced tomorrow. This follows a prolific 2025-26 season for both club and country, where he scored 73 goals.
Historically, the Ballon d'Or has often been awarded to players who have lifted one of football's biggest trophies, particularly in World Cup years. Kane's 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England place him among the highest scorers in a single season, with only Lionel Messi having scored more for club and country among players from Europe's top five leagues.
However, Kane's Bayern Munich campaign in Europe ended in the Champions League semi-finals. Rodri, who was arguably Spain's standout performer in their second World Cup title win and collected the Golden Ball, appears to be Kane's strongest rival. Other potential contenders include Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham.