2026 Ballon d’Or: Hoeneß names players in top 30 that don’t deserve award

Bayern Munich's honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, has sparked controversy by claiming that Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe do not deserve to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. In an interview with the Munich-based tabloid Abendzeitung, Hoeneß argued that England captain Harry Kane should be awarded the prestigious prize instead. Hoeneß's reasoning was that Messi has not earned enough accolades to secure the award for a fifth consecutive time, while Mbappe failed to secure any trophies during the season.

Hoeneß also pointed out that despite Real Madrid's lack of titles, their Kylian Mbappe was on the 30-man nominees' shortlist, further questioning the award's merit.

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