Harry Kane has another major milestone within reach, but his remarkable goalscoring season does not guarantee him football's most prestigious individual award.

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes the Bayern Munich striker has done enough to edge his rivals for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Hargreaves has backed Kane ahead of Monday's ceremony in London, identifying Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé among the leading contenders.

Kane scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England during the 2025/26 season, according to reports on his campaign. He also won the Bundesliga title and the European Golden Shoe, strengthening his case for individual recognition.
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For Kane, the award would represent a major personal achievement after years of establishing himself among Europe's leading goalscorers. For Bayern supporters and England fans, his nomination offers another opportunity to celebrate his performances.

What Hargreaves Said

Speaking during coverage by TNT Sports, Hargreaves acknowledged the quality of the leading candidates before explaining his preference.

"All these players [Yamal, Mbappé and Kane] deserve to win the Ballon d'Or," he said.

He added: "I think there are four or five players in there [Ballon d'Or race], but I think Harry Kane probably just edged them, for me."

His comments make clear that Kane is his personal choice, not an officially confirmed winner.

Can Kane Beat Yamal and Mbappé?
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The competition remains open until the official result is announced. Yamal and Mbappé are also among the high-profile players in contention, and Hargreaves' prediction does not determine the outcome.

Kane's goalscoring record and domestic achievements give his candidacy a strong foundation. However, the award result remains a separate decision from any single pundit's assessment.

The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for Monday, October 26, in London.