Declan Rice has backed Harry Kane as the clear winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or after the England captain produced another influential display in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal.
Kane played a part in both of Bayern’s goals at the Allianz Arena. He created the opening goal with a defence-splitting pass for Alphonso Davies before scoring from the penalty spot in the second half.
Rice rescued Arsenal with an 82nd-minute equaliser, but his focus afterwards was on Kane’s all-round contribution and his credentials for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Rice makes emphatic Harry Kane Ballon d’Or claim
Asked for his view by TNT Sports after Wednesday night’s match, Rice said: “For me, Harry is the clear winner of the Ballon d’Or 2026.”
He added: “His numbers speak for themselves. For a striker to play that pass for their first goal then take the penalty how he did… he’s ridiculous, he’s such a good player, insane!”
Kane’s case is underpinned by a remarkable 2025/26 campaign. He scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern, helping the club win both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
His league tally was 36 goals, while he added 14 in the Champions League and finished the season with the European Golden Shoe.
The pass that set up Davies was further evidence of the range to Kane’s game. Dropping away from Arsenal’s defence, he quickly recognised Davies’ run and delivered a ball that took several defenders out of the move.
Rice, who plays alongside Kane for England but faced him for Arsenal, believes that creative ability strengthens the striker’s claim beyond his prolific goalscoring record.
Kane also helped England finish third at the 2026 World Cup, giving him a combination of individual statistics, major honours and international achievements ahead of the Ballon d’Or award on 26 October.
His performances have previously attracted praise for his goalscoring while his wider contribution has sometimes received less attention. Rice’s endorsement follows a season in which Kane’s overall influence has been central to Bayern’s success.
