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Spain and Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique has named his top three favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid’s talismanic forward, Kylian Mbappe didn’t make the cut.
Pique said, “For me the top 3 favourites are Harry Kane, Lamine and Rodri.”
Pique’s list gives England and Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane a boost after a historic season at Bayern Munich, where he lifted his second Bundesliga trophy and led an attack that shattered the German league’s single season scoring record.
Kane also scored 73 goals for club and country and led England to a World Cup third place finish.
The 33-year-old England captain is currently the bookmakers’ favourite.
Lamine Yamal, Pique’s 19-year-old compatriot, had 18 goals and 21 assists for Barcelona last season, led La Liga in assists, and helped Spain lift the 2026 World Cup. Having won last year’s Kopa Trophy for the best young player, he is expected to put up a good showing at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Rodri, who also plays for Spain and Barcelona, won the World Cup Golden Ball after helping La Roja clinch the trophy.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner also remains the metronome of Hansi Flick’s perfect La Liga leaders after moving to Barcelona this summer.
Notably absent was Kylian Mbappe, despite the Real Madrid forward being among the 30 nominees and scoring 10 goals at the World Cup to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 22.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed at a ceremony in London on October 26, the first time it is being held outside Paris. The award covers performances from the 2025-26 season, including the 2026 World Cup.
Pique himself never finished higher than 9th in Ballon d’Or voting during his career.
