Harry Kane Emerges as Ballon d’Or Contender as Messi Reportedly Skips London Ceremony

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has emerged as a major contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with confidence reportedly growing within the German club’s delegation ahead of the awards ceremony in London.

The ceremony marks 70 years since English football legend Stanley Matthews won the inaugural Ballon d’Or in 1956. According to the report, this year’s event is being held in London rather than the French capital, Paris.

Kane, who was born in 1993, is reportedly arriving at the ceremony with his entourage following Bayern Munich’s victory over Freiburg. The club’s delegation is also expected to attend the event at the Palladium Theatre.

The England international’s reported case for the award is built around an impressive goal-scoring campaign. The report credits him with 73 goals across all competitions for Bayern and England during the 2025–26 season, alongside a Golden Boot award and team honours.

Bayern’s achievements listed in the report include the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup titles, as well as a run to the Champions League semi-finals. Kane’s international campaign is also cited as part of the argument for his candidacy.

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen expressed support for the striker’s chances, saying the club would be delighted if Kane won the prestigious individual award.

“Harry sets new records year after year, but his 73 goals for Bayern and the England national team carry particular significance this time,” Dreesen said.

Meanwhile, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi is reportedly not expected to attend the ceremony, despite speculation that he might present an award. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times.

The report says Messi’s recent schedule included travelling to Oviedo for the Princess of Asturias Awards before returning to the United States for Inter Miami’s match against the New York Red Bulls. He was also reportedly present at the Messi Cup, making a trip to London unlikely.

With Kane’s reported scoring record and Bayern’s domestic success central to his candidacy, attention is focused on whether the England striker will receive the award. The final result, however, depends on the official Ballon d’Or announcement.