Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has explained why Harry Kane was not his preferred choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite acknowledging that the Bayern Munich striker deserved to win the prestigious individual award.
Cucurella made the remarks during an interview with Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, where he discussed the outcome of the November international break and his preferred candidates for the award.
Kane emerged as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium on October 26. The England captain secured 1,055 points, narrowly finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who polled 1,027 points, while Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal came third with 881 points.
The Bayern Munich forward enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country. His impressive record included 61 goals in 51 appearances for the German champions.
Kane’s achievement also made him the first English footballer to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the honour in 2001.
Reacting to the result, Cucurella admitted that Kane’s extraordinary statistics made him a deserving winner, although he confessed that the outcome had surprised him.
He said: “Not unfair, because if you look at his numbers, it is true that they are numbers that a player like Harry Kane probably won’t reach again, in the sense that for him it was a spectacular season. It isn’t that he didn’t deserve it, but it did surprise me.”
The defender, however, disclosed that he would have preferred either Real Madrid forward Mbappé or Barcelona star Yamal to win the award.
According to Cucurella, both players are exciting talents whose performances make them footballers he would readily watch as a spectator.
“I’d have given it, for example, to my two favourites, which were Mbappé or Lamine, because in the end they are players that I, as a spectator, would turn on the TV to watch,” he added.
When asked to choose between Mbappé and Yamal, Cucurella declined to favour either player, explaining that he shares a connection with both.
“I wouldn’t pick one there. In the end they are both teammates of mine, which is lucky, and the truth is I’ve been happy for both of them,” he concluded.
Cucurella’s comments highlight the differing opinions surrounding the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with Kane’s outstanding goal-scoring record ultimately earning him the recognition ahead of Mbappé and Yamal.
Comments