Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘I wouldn’t have given it to Kane’ – Cucurella names preferred players

Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has explained why Harry Kane was not his preferred choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, although he insisted that the Bayern Munich striker was deserving of the prestigious individual award.

Cucurella shared his opinion during an interview with Spanish television programme El Chiringuito while discussing the outcome of the November international break.

The England captain emerged as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the London Palladium on October 26. Kane collected 1,055 points, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who received 1,027 points, and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who finished third with 881 points.

Kane enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country. His impressive contribution included 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich.

The achievement also made him the first English footballer to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the honour in 2001.

Despite having different preferences, Cucurella dismissed suggestions that Kane was undeserving of the recognition, admitting that the striker’s remarkable goal-scoring figures made his triumph understandable.

“Not unfair, because if you look at his numbers, it is true that they are numbers that a player like Harry Kane probably won’t reach again, in the sense that for him it was a spectacular season. It isn’t that he didn’t deserve it, but it did surprise me,” Cucurella said.

However, the Real Madrid defender revealed that he would have preferred either Mbappé or Yamal to take home the award, explaining that both players are exciting footballers he enjoys watching.

“I’d have given it, for example, to my two favourites, which were Mbappé or Lamine, because in the end they are players that I, as a spectator, would turn on the TV to watch,” he added.

When asked to select his favourite between Mbappé and Yamal, Cucurella refused to take sides, pointing out that he shares a connection with both players.

“I wouldn’t pick one there. In the end they are both teammates of mine, which is lucky, and the truth is I’ve been happy for both of them,” he concluded.