Ballon d’Or 2026: Kane didn’t win World Cup – Frank Verlaat picks top candidate for award

Former VfB Stuttgart defender Frank Verlaat has suggested that Barcelona midfielder Rodri is a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. According to Verlaat, Rodri won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Spain claimed by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. Meanwhile, Harry Kane, the striker for Bayern Munich, did not secure the victory.

Rodri, now a player for Barcelona, was recognized as the tournament's top performer. "You have a very important No. 6 in Rodri from Spain," Verlaat stated to Bulinews. "When you look at the Ballon d’Or winner, they typically win a major competition like the World Cup or the Champions League." Harry Kane, despite having an impressive season with numerous goals, did not win the World Cup, according to Verlaat.

Rodri had previously won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, ahead of his fellow Spaniard Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The narrative from Bulinews highlights Frank Verlaat's endorsement of Rodri as a top candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite Harry Kane's outstanding performance.