Ballon d’Or 2026: Pique Names Kane, Yamal, Rodri as Top 3, Leaves Out Mbappe

Photo Credit: Gerard Pique of Spain / The Sun Nigeria
Ballon d’Or 2026: Pique Names Kane, Yamal, Rodri as Top 3, Leaves Out Mbappe

Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique has revealed his top three favourites for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, and surprisingly left out Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Pique said his top 3 are Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.

The pick is a huge boost for England captain Harry Kane, who enjoyed a historic season with Bayern Munich where he lifted his second Bundesliga title and led an attack that shattered the German league’s single-season scoring record. The 33-year-old scored 73 goals for club and country and led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup, making him the current bookmakers’ favourite.

Pique also backed his 19-year-old compatriot Lamine Yamal, who registered 18 goals and 21 assists for Barcelona last season, led La Liga in assists, and helped Spain lift the 2026 World Cup. The reigning Kopa Trophy winner is expected to make a strong statement at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The third name is Rodri, who won the World Cup Golden Ball after helping La Roja clinch the trophy. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has remained the metronome for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side since moving to the club this summer.

Conspicuously missing from Pique’s list is Kylian Mbappe, despite being among the 30 nominees and scoring 10 goals at the World Cup to become the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 22 goals.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be unveiled at a ceremony in London on October 26 – the first time ever outside Paris. The award covers performances from the 2025/26 season, including the 2026 World Cup.
Source: The Sun Nigeria –