2026 Ballon d’Or: Declan Rice Picks Preferred Player To Win Award

Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has revealed that he wants his international teammate Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Rice has been included in the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for the second consecutive year, but he is backing Kane to claim the prestigious individual award.

Rice told Sky Sports: “Second year in a row nominated, I’m very proud. You know who I want to win.

“I’d love to see Harry Kane win it. I wish him all the best in that.”

Kane is among the leading contenders for this year’s award, alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The England captain enjoyed an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.

Kane helped Bayern win the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles last season, strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or after another prolific campaign.

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Rice, meanwhile, will also be hoping to impress voters as he competes for the award for the second year running, although his preferred choice is clearly Kane.