Ballon d’Or 2026: Kane didn’t win World Cup – Frank Verlaat picks top candidate for award

Former VfB Stuttgart defender Frank Verlaat has identified Spain midfielder Rodri as one of the leading candidates to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Verlaat believes Rodri’s success with Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could give him a major advantage in the race for the prestigious individual award.

Spain won the World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, with Rodri playing a key role in their successful campaign. The Barcelona midfielder was also named the best player of the tournament.

Speaking to Bulinews, Verlaat said, “You have got a very important No. 6 in Rodri from Spain. What you see with the Ballon d’Or is that the winner has usually won a big competition like the World Cup or the Champions League.”

Verlaat also pointed out that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane failed to win the World Cup with England, although he acknowledged the Englishman’s impressive individual campaign.

“He [Harry Kane] didn’t do that. But that doesn’t change the fact that he had a fantastic season and scored so many goals.”

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Rodri previously won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, finishing ahead of Spain teammate Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. He will now be hoping his World Cup success can help him claim the award for a second time.