2026 Ballon d'Or: Jean-Pierre Papin names his favourite

Only a few hours remain before the start of the 70th Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony. Even before then, opinions differ over the identity of the future winner.

While Rio Mavuba expressed his preference for Kylian Mbappé on Téléfoot on Sunday morning, Jean-Pierre Papin backed another candidate. The former Olympique de Marseille and France striker is still tipping England international Harry Kane. He is impressed by the Bayern Munich forward’s season, but also by his personality. “I think the podium will be Mbappé, Kane and Lamine Yamal. And for me, this year, if I had a slight preference, I would give it to Harry Kane. He seems like a simple guy, not too much communication, classy. And the player is incredible,” he said.

Rodri and Fabián Ruiz outside the top three?

By placing Kane ahead of Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, Papin is highlighting a profile he considers as remarkable on the pitch as in his media conduct. As a result, his podium leaves several major contenders behind the leading trio, including Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé, while the debate remains open on the eve of the trophy presentation in London.

Also read: Clásico: FC Barcelona unveil their squad to face Real Madrid

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.