Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has selected his preferred winner for the 2026 Ballon d'Or as the race intensifies following the conclusion of the 2025/26 European season. With the season wrapped up, attention now shifts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, which will play a decisive role in determining the winner of football's most prestigious individual award.
Muller's Choice for Ballon d'Or
Former Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller believes the award will be contested between two of his former club's stars: Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Muller explained the qualities of both players and why he gives the edge to the French international over the England captain.
"With his finishing and attacking qualities, Harry is the best striker I currently see. He's got a wide range of qualities, but he's not a player who can dribble past four people," Muller told Bild. "As far as the Ballon d'Or is concerned, the 'artistic element' is taken into account. Generally, I see Harry as the more important player - but when it comes to the vote for the World's Best Player, it's more for players like Michael, with this dance-like, artistic, ease, magic quality, you can't learn that. Michael is a player who delivers, a performer."
Comparing Stats of Kane and Olise
Both Kane and Olise were instrumental for Bayern Munich this season, helping the club secure a domestic double and reach the Champions League semi-finals. According to Transfermarkt, Kane scored an astonishing 61 goals and provided seven assists in 51 matches across all competitions for Bayern. Additionally, he netted 11 goals for England with one assist, bringing his total to 72 goals and eight assists for the season.
Olise, meanwhile, contributed 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 appearances for the Bavarians, along with two goals and two assists for France. Both players are expected to be key figures for their national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with England under Thomas Tuchel and France under Didier Deschamps aiming for glory.
Arsenal's Declan Rice poses a potential competitor to Kane if England wins the World Cup, while Olise faces competition from Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe if France triumphs.
Updated Ballon d'Or Rankings
Legit.ng previously analyzed the updated Ballon d'Or rankings after Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal on penalties to win the Champions League. Current holder Ousmane Dembele remains the leading favorite to retain his award, but the World Cup could cause a major shift before the ceremony in October.
