Football NewsDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 3 Aug 2026
Kane leads Ballon d'Or race after record season
England captain's 61-goal season puts him in pole position for football's top individual prize.


H. Kane
player
Player
Harry Kane
Club
Bayern Munich
Goals
61 in 51 matches
Trophies
Domestic double
World Cup
6 goals, semi-final
What happened. Harry Kane is the bookies' favourite to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or after scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich and helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals.
- Kane could be first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
- Lamine Yamal is second favourite, could be first teenager to win.
- Defending winner Ousmane Dembele is also in contention.
The award will be decided later this year, with Kane's record-breaking season giving him a strong edge.
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