2026 Ballon d’Or: Only Messi Has Been More Successful – Rummenigge Picks Winner

Former Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has backed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Rummenigge highlighted Kane’s remarkable goalscoring record for Bayern Munich and England during the previous season as the main reason for his choice.

He claimed that Kane has only been outscored by Argentina legend Lionel Messi in a single calendar year during this millennium.

“My Ballon d’Or winner is Harry Kane,” Rummenigge said.

“Harry scored a total of 73 goals for Bayern and England last season – only Lionel Messi was more successful in a single year this millennium. That is the benchmark,” he added.

Rummenigge also suggested that Kane’s position as a striker could work in his favour, while mentioning an AI prediction about the Ballon d’Or race.

“And strikers often win this award. I also asked AI about it. The answer was: Harry has a 68% probability of winning. Let’s hope that’s how it turns out,” he said.

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Kane is among the final 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the award scheduled to be presented at a gala in London on October 26.