Declan Rice has thrown his full support behind Harry Kane for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, calling him the "clear winner" after witnessing his captain's stellar performance in Arsenal's 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
Kane was instrumental in both of Bayern's goals at the Allianz Arena. He delivered a precise, defense-splitting pass for Alphonso Davies' opener and calmly converted a second-half penalty. Rice himself managed to secure an equalizer for Arsenal in the 82nd minute, but post-match, his admiration was solely for his international teammate.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Rice didn't hold back in his praise. "For me, Harry is the clear winner of the Ballon d’Or 2026," he stated. "His numbers speak for themselves. For a striker to play that pass for their first goal then take the penalty how he did… he’s ridiculous, he’s such a good player, insane!"
Kane's 2025/26 season was nothing short of phenomenal, netting 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern, leading them to Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal glory. His remarkable season saw him score 36 Bundesliga goals, 14 in the Champions League, and secure the European Golden Shoe.
Beyond the raw goal-scoring stats, Kane's performance against Arsenal highlighted his all-around game. His assist for Davies showcased his vision and ability to break down defenses, a trait that sets him apart from many traditional strikers. This complete package, combining individual brilliance, major trophies, and strong international performances, including a third-place finish with England at the 2026 World Cup, makes a compelling case for his Ballon d'Or bid.
Having played alongside Kane for England and against him for Arsenal, Rice's endorsement carries significant weight. Kane has often been celebrated for his goals, but his broader impact has sometimes been overlooked in discussions for major individual awards. After a season like this, it's becoming increasingly difficult to make that argument.
