{
  "id": 4638750,
  "title": "Ballon d’Or 2026: Owen Hargreaves names top two favourites to win award",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/ballon-dor-2026-owen-hargreaves-names-top-two-favourites-to-win-award",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T11:55:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/31/ballon-dor-2026-owen-hargreaves-names-top-two-favourites-to-win-award/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Manchester United and Manchester City midfielder Owen Hargreaves has revealed his two top contenders to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The winner will be determined in October during a ceremony in London. Last year, Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele took home the prestigious individual prize. However, Hargreaves firmly believes that Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder Rodri are the leading favorites to claim the title this year. Hargreaves stated, \"There are a few contenders, but you can’t say which one of them clearly stands out.\" He praised Kane’s exceptional performance for Bayern last season, noting his impressive goal-scoring record and strong showing at the World Cup where England finished third. Hargreaves also highlighted Rodri’s outstanding play, mentioning his contributions to Manchester City's success with both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, his World Cup victory, and his position as one of the finest players in that tournament. If he were to vote, Hargreaves would likely choose between Kane and Rodri as the top contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.",
  "summary": "Former Manchester United and Manchester City midfielder, Owen Hargreaves has named his top two favourites to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or will be announced in October in London. Paris Saint-Germain forward, Ousmane Dembele won the top prestigious individual prize last year. However, Hargreaves believes Bayern Munich striker, Harry […] Ballon d’Or 2026: Owen…",
  "key_points": [
    "Owen Hargreaves names Harry Kane and Rodri as top Ballon d’Or contenders.",
    "Kane’s goal-scoring record and World Cup performance impress Hargreaves.",
    "Rodri praised for contributions to Manchester City and World Cup victory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}