Harry Kane is the favourite for the men’s Ballon d’Or award.
Harry Kane targets England’s first men’s award in 25 years, while Alexia Putellas leads the women’s contenders ahead of Monday’s London ceremony.
Harry Kane leads the Ballon d’Or race ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London, with Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe challenging. The England captain hopes to become his country’s first winner since Michael Owen in 2001.
Meanwhile, Alexia Putellas is the favourite for a third women’s title after helping Barcelona regain the Champions League. Injury problems have left Aitana Bonmati facing the end of her three-year winning run.
Kane’s Ballon d’Or bid rests on prolific season
Kane scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season. His contribution also helped Bayern Munich secure a German league and cup double.
However, semi-final exits in the Champions League and World Cup leave the outcome uncertain. The 33-year-old former Tottenham striker said winning the individual honour would mark a major career milestone.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany backed Kane’s claim, highlighting his commitment to the team. He also said Kane had taken greatest satisfaction from finally winning his first team trophies at Bayern.
Only four English players have won the men’s prize: Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. London will host the ceremony for the first time, at the London Palladium, 70 years after Matthews’ inaugural victory.
Yamal and Mbappe press their claims
Yamal finished runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele last year and remains a leading contender at 19. However, a hamstring injury cut short the Barcelona forward’s club season.
He also fell short of his most dazzling form during Spain’s World Cup triumph, which relied on collective strength. Nevertheless, Yamal expressed confidence last month, arguing that his achievements justified winning the award.
Mbappe, meanwhile, brings exceptional scoring records but no trophies with Real Madrid or France. He topped the scoring charts in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup without winning those competitions.
His 10 goals at the tournament in North America took his overall World Cup tally to a record 22. The France forward highlighted that achievement when making his case for the prize.
Putellas pursues third women’s crown
Putellas won the women’s award in 2021 and 2022. She helped Barcelona reclaim the European title last season before joining London City Lionesses.
Her former Barcelona teammate Ewa Pajor is her main challenger after scoring 11 goals during that Champions League campaign.
For the men’s award, organisers invite one journalist from each of FIFA’s 100 highest-ranked nations to vote. Each voter selects a top 10 from a 30-player shortlist.
