Ballon d’Or 2026: Kane could deny Real Madrid and Barcelona a historic lead

All eyes are on London, where the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place tonight with Real Madrid and Barcelona level in the club’s all-time tally of winners.

Both Spanish giants have been represented by 12 Ballon d’Or winners, based on the players who received the award while playing for each club. The result of this year’s vote could therefore give one of them sole possession of the record – unless Harry Kane takes the prize for himself.

Real Madrid’s list of winners began with Alfredo Di Stefano, who claimed the award in 1957 and 1959. Raymond Kopa followed in 1958, before Luis Figo won in 2000, Ronaldo Nazario in 2002 and Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

Cristiano Ronaldo added four more awards during his time at the club, in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017. Luka Modric won in 2018 and Karim Benzema in 2022, taking Real Madrid’s total to 12.

Kylian Mbappe can become the latest Real Madrid player to win the prize if he is successful in 2026. Victory would move the Spanish club ahead of Barcelona and end the long-standing tie between the rivals.

Barcelona’s winners include Luis Suarez Miramontes, who lifted the award in 1960, and Johan Cruyff, who won it in 1973 and 1974. Hristo Stoichkov followed in 1994, with Rivaldo claiming the honour in 1999 and Ronaldinho in 2005.

The majority of Barcelona’s total came through Lionel Messi, who won six Ballon d’Or awards while representing the club. His victories came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019.

Barcelona will hope Lamine Yamal can continue that tradition. Should he win, the club would reach 13 awards and move clear at the top of the historical standings, rather than allowing Real Madrid to create a gap.

Kane offers a third possibility

Harry Kane is the leading candidate capable of preventing either Spanish club from settling the contest. The Bayern Munich and England striker enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 73 goals for club and country according to the figures being cited in the Ballon d’Or race.

Kane also won the European Golden Shoe for the 2025-2026 season and contributed to Bayern Munich’s domestic success. He made an impact in the Champions League as well, although the team’s run ended in the semi-finals.

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has backed Kane’s prospects, saying he would be happy if the striker won the award. Dreesen pointed to Kane’s record-breaking goals for both the club and England as strong reasons for his candidacy.

Mbappe’s bid to put Real Madrid ahead, Yamal’s attempt to keep Barcelona on top and Kane’s challenge will all be resolved in London. A victory for the England forward would leave the two Spanish clubs level for at least another year.