00:00How did Harry Kane win the 2026 Ballon d'Or? Go on Harry! In an era of Fabrizio Romano spoiling
00:05everything from the Ballon d'Or to what your mum got you for Christmas this year,
00:09this year's ceremony had an unfamiliar but welcome air of mystery surrounding it.
00:13Going into the evening, no one really knew who had won. That's because, in truth, there was not
00:18one standout candidate. There were three. Laminya Mal is a generational talent who shone for
00:23Barcelona last season. His country won the World Cup. But as an individual, he was disappointing
00:28in North America. Kylian Mbappé had a very different experience out there. One of the
00:32best individual World Cups ever, during which he won the Golden Boot and became the top scorer in
00:37the competition's history. He scored goals for his club, but won nothing for Madrid or France.
00:41Then there was Harry Kane, second to at least eight in the Bundesliga player of the season,
00:45outshone by Bellingham for England, arguably. But in reality, that's what makes him so great.
00:50He scored 73 goals in 65 games last season for club and country, the best scoring season by anyone
00:56other than Messi this century. All whilst being unselfish, setting his teammates up. He scored
01:01a hat-trick in a cup final, dragged England through the early World Cup knockouts, scored home and away
01:06versus both PSG and Real Madrid in the Champions League. He is everything a Ballon d'Or winner should
01:11be. A team player, a likeable bloke, and most importantly, a wonderful footballer. He has been
01:17criminally underrated throughout his entire career. His place at the top table is no longer up for debate.
01:23Well done, Harry Kane.
