Kane wins 2026 Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, an annual award given to the best male footballer, despite the contest being described as particularly close and controversial. His victory has sparked mixed reactions globally, especially among former teammates and rivals.

Lloris praises Kane's skills

Hugo Lloris, former captain of the French national team and goalkeeper for Los Angeles FC, praised Kane’s abilities in an interview with L'Équipe. He highlighted Kane’s versatility, noting his skills in passing, tackling, and defending, which go beyond his goal-scoring reputation.

Lloris emphasizes Kane's character

Lloris also emphasized Kane’s team spirit and humility, contrasting them with the spotlight-seeking nature often associated with such awards. He compared Kane to past winners like Ousmane Dembélé and Karim Benzema, who were also recognized for their collaborative play.

Mbappé finishes second again

Kylian Mbappé, Kane’s rival and former teammate on the French national team, finished second in the Ballon d'Or vote. This marks another close call for Mbappé, who has been chasing the award for years but has yet to win it.

Lloris sees future success for Mbappé

Despite Mbappé’s second-place finish, Lloris expressed confidence in his future. He acknowledged Mbappé’s strong start to the season and believes the French star will eventually win the Ballon d'Or, citing his determination and talent.