Rohr tips Yamal or Olise for 2026 Ballon d'Or, snubs Kane and Mbappé

Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has named Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise as his top two favorites for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, to be awarded Monday. Rohr acknowledges four players are in contention but insists "one of the two" — Yamal or Olise — should win.

The German tactician snubs bookmakers' favorite Harry Kane (Olise's Bayern teammate) and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé. Rohr admits Mbappé "would deserve it also" but notes he failed to lift any silverware last season, weakening his case. Kane's omission is notable given his goal-scoring record.

Yamal, 17, enjoyed a breakthrough season at Barcelona, while Olise, 23, has impressed since moving to Bayern. Both played key roles for club and country. The ceremony takes place today in Paris.

Rohr's pick carries weight — he's managed multiple African nations and knows elite talent. But bookmakers and most pundits still favor Kane or Mbappé.

Who gets your vote: the teenage sensation Yamal, the rising star Olise, or the established superstars Kane and Mbappé?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/26/2026-ballon-dor-rohr-snubs-mbappe-kane-names-top-two-favourites/