Ballon d'Or Race Heats Up
Anthony Gordon Identifies Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal as Top Ballon d'Or Contenders
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Anthony Gordon says Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal both have strong claims to the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising Yamal’s ability and achievements at 19 while pointing to Kane’s historic season. Kane is also backed by statistics showing he scored 62 goals in 51 matches last season, more than other leading contenders, while Yamal’s trophies and World Cup success bolster his case. Kylian Mbappé is another leading contender, making the race appear open. The award, covering performances across the 2025–26 season and World Cup, is scheduled to be presented in London on October 26, marking the ceremony’s first departure from Paris.
Key Points
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Gordon called Yamal the world’s best winger on pure ability, saying: “For me he's number one for sure.”
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Yamal argued that the Ballon d’Or should not simply go to the top scorer, noting that a separate Golden Boot already rewards the leading goalscorer; he said his own case rests on winning more trophies.
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Kane has declined to publicly campaign for the award, saying he knows his season was as good as anyone’s but does not plan to discuss his credentials in the media.
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London’s hosting of the 70th ceremony is intended as a tribute to Stanley Matthews, winner of the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956.
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