Ballon d’Or 2026: Chris Waddle Names Player Who Deserves To Win Award

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United midfielder Chris Waddle has backed Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Speaking to GOAL, Waddle said the England captain deserves the award after what he described as a phenomenal season for both Bayern Munich and the national team.

Waddle also questioned the importance placed on team trophies when deciding the winner of an individual award like the Ballon d’Or.

“I’m sorry, but you judge players on a season, and Harry Kane’s had a phenomenal season for Bayern Munich and England,” Waddle said.

“Why is he not being awarded it? Because he didn’t win a trophy, which is a team game, not an individual as the Ballon d’Or is. I don’t get that.

“The Ballon d’Or should always be the best player of the season. And Harry Kane, from my eyes, should lift it.”

Kane won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich last season and scored more than 70 goals for club and country.

The former Tottenham striker also helped England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he finished with a bronze medal.

Waddle believes Kane’s individual performances should be enough to make him the rightful winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or.