2026 Ballon d'Or: Wilfried Bony names his winner

Speaking to Africafoot, former Ivory Coast international and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner Wilfried Bony named his choice for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Wilfried Bony based his choice on the performances, titles and consistency of the shortlisted players. At the top of his ranking, Wilfried Bony named Harry Kane as his favorite. The Ivorian highlighted the exceptional attacking statistics, the titles won with Bayern Munich and his consistency at the highest level. Bony also appreciates the English striker's human qualities, having faced him several times in the Premier League.

"Seventy-three goals in a season! Those are absolutely extraordinary statistics! And on top of that, you have to add the titles with Bayern Munich (the league, cup and Super Cup) and a third-place finish at the World Cup with England, during which he scored six times. He has shown great consistency for years. He is a true goalscorer, but one who is capable of contributing to the play. In addition, having faced him several times when I was playing in the Premier League, he is a very likeable person, a true gentleman," said the Ivorian.

Yamal second in the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Behind Kane, Wilfried Bony placed Lamine Yamal in second position. The Ivorian particularly appreciates his spectacular style of play, while believing that he still has significant room for improvement.

"A World Cup and a La Liga title—that is an outstanding record. I hesitated to put him at the top of my ranking. Yes, Lamine Yamal won the World Cup, but he did not produce extraordinary performances in his matches. He played well. That said, what he is capable of doing at just 19 years old is fantastic. He already has an impressive trophy haul. He will continue to improve. I like this player with his spectacular style, capable of scoring beautiful goals and providing assists," Bony explained.

Answer on Monday!

Read also: 2026 Ballon d'Or: new attack on Kylian Mbappé

Joshua SOSSOU

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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.

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