Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or amid criticism from Lamine Yamal's family

Harry Kane has been awarded the 2026 Ballon d'Or, marking a significant milestone in the English striker's career. In the final voting rankings, Kylian Mbappe secured second place, while 19-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal finished third. The announcement has sparked public discussion regarding the selection criteria for the prestigious award.

The decision drew sharp criticism from the uncle of Lamine Yamal, who expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the outcome. He argued that his nephew’s achievements—which include winning the World Cup, La Liga, and the Super Cup—made him the most deserving candidate. He asserted that Yamal is the best player in the world and predicted that the young talent will secure at least five Ballon d'Or titles in the future. In contrast, Kane reacted graciously to the results, publicly praising Yamal’s extraordinary talent and maturity. The new Ballon d'Or winner noted that at the same age as Yamal, he was gaining experience on loan at various clubs, highlighting the unprecedented level at which the teenager is currently performing.