Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s a total footballer’ – Roberto De Zerbi names award winner

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has backed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, insisting that the England captain deserves the prestigious individual award.

De Zerbi praised Kane’s versatility and overall contribution to football, describing him as a complete player capable of performing in several positions. The Tottenham manager shared his opinion ahead of his team’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday evening.

“Harry Kane deserves to win the Ballon d’Or in my view,” De Zerbi said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian tactician further highlighted Kane’s ability to operate beyond the traditional role of a centre-forward, praising his understanding of the game and his tactical flexibility.

“He’s a 9, a 10, he’s a number 2, number 6, a total player,” De Zerbi added, emphasising the qualities that make the Bayern Munich forward stand out.

Kane enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring more than 70 goals for Bayern Munich and the England national team across competitions, according to the report. His performances have strengthened his position among the leading candidates for the individual honour.

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However, Kane faces competition from other prominent players, including Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. The Ballon d’Or winner is expected to be announced on Monday, with De Zerbi making his preference clear ahead of the ceremony.