Matthäus backs Kane and Olise for Ballon d'Or ahead of Monday ceremony
German legend Lothar Matthäus has named Bayern Munich duo Harry Kane and Michael Olise as the only two players who deserve to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded this Monday, October 28. Speaking to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the 1990 World Cup winner said: "When I assess this period [last season], which is the only period that should be assessed, then there are only two for me. They both play for Bayern Munich. Harry Kane and Michael Olise, and nobody else."
Both players are among the 30-man shortlist. Kane scored 44 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season, while Olise impressed in his debut campaign after joining from Crystal Palace. They face stiff competition from Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who starred for Spain at Euro 2024, and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé, who joined Los Blancos this summer.
Matthäus's view carries weight—he won the Ballon d'Or equivalent (European Footballer of the Year) in 1990 and 1991. But the voting jury of international journalists may weigh team trophies differently: Bayern finished third in the Bundesliga and trophyless, while Yamal won Euro 2024 with Spain and Mbappé claimed the Champions League with Madrid.
The ceremony takes place Monday at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Who gets your vote—individual brilliance at a trophyless club, or tournament winners on the biggest stages?