adminLamine Yamal Responds After Anthony Gordon’s Harry Kane and Ballon d’Or Comments
The 2026 Ballon d’Or race has taken another intriguing turn after Anthony Gordon shared his thoughts on the two players he believes have the strongest claims to football’s biggest individual prize: his England teammate Harry Kane and Barcelona colleague Lamine Yamal.
Gordon, who moved to Barcelona from Newcastle during the summer, is in a unique position because he has played alongside both contenders. He has seen Kane’s impact with England while also sharing a dressing room with Yamal at club level.
When asked about the Ballon d’Or race, Gordon refused to completely separate the two players. He praised Yamal’s extraordinary ability and achievements at just 19, while also pointing to Kane’s historic 2025/26 campaign.
“For me, it has to be one of the two in terms of what they’ve achieved,” Gordon said. He described Yamal’s development as “ridiculous,” particularly considering his age, while admitting that the teenager is currently operating at an exceptional level.
However, Gordon was equally emphatic about Kane’s case. The England captain scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025/26 season and played a major role in England’s World Cup campaign. Gordon therefore believes Kane has a genuine argument for winning the award.
Yamal’s View on the Ballon d’Or
Yamal has previously made it clear that he believes the Ballon d’Or should reward the best overall player rather than simply the footballer who scores the most goals.
The Barcelona star argued that the award should recognise a player who stands out technically and gives supporters a reason to watch a match specifically because of him. He has pointed to legendary figures such as Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho when explaining his view of what the Ballon d’Or should represent.
That position has naturally been interpreted as a challenge to Kane’s case, particularly after the England striker’s remarkable goal-scoring numbers last season.
Despite the growing debate, Yamal has also insisted that he is not interested in begging journalists to vote for him. He has highlighted Barcelona’s success and Spain’s World Cup triumph as evidence of his credentials.
Kane’s Case Remains Strong
Kane, meanwhile, has largely avoided campaigning for himself.
The Bayern Munich striker has repeatedly taken a more reserved approach when asked about the Ballon d’Or, instead focusing on what he achieved collectively and individually during an outstanding season.
His 73 goals, World Cup contribution and continued scoring form have placed him firmly among the leading candidates. England teammate Jude Bellingham has also backed Kane, describing him as an “amazing role model” and saying that everything the striker has achieved is deserved because of his work ethic.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, the battle between Kane and Yamal is becoming increasingly intense.
Gordon’s comments have only added fuel to the discussion, but one thing appears clear: whether voters prioritise Kane’s extraordinary numbers and consistency or Yamal’s individual brilliance and major trophies, both players have a powerful case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
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