Ballon d’Or 2026: Australian voter puts Harry Kane top and Lamine Yamal sixth

Australian journalist Daniel Garp has placed Harry Kane first in his Ballon d’Or 2026 voting, with Lamine Yamal ranked sixth behind Michael Olise in a list containing several notable choices.

Garp, Australia’s representative in the Ballon d’Or vote since 2018, described this year’s award as the most difficult to decide because of the challenge of separating the leading candidates. He said the influence of the World Cup and the differing circumstances faced by players with their clubs had made the process particularly complicated.

In an interview with Australian outlet Football360, Garp explained that he selected Kane ahead of Kylian Mbappe because of the difference in their goalscoring records.

The Australian journalist said goals were not the only factor in his assessment, but the gap of about 15 goals proved decisive in favour of the Bayern Munich striker.

Garp added that he had spent a considerable amount of time weighing up Kane and Mbappe before finalising his vote. He said the decision could have gone to Mbappe if the gap between the two players had been reduced by five to 10 goals.

Messi third, Rodri fourth

Lionel Messi was third in Garp’s ranking, ahead of Rodri in fourth. Rodri won the award for the best player at the World Cup, but that achievement was not enough to move him above the Argentina international in the Australian journalist’s selection.

Olise’s fifth-place finish, one position ahead of Yamal, was among the most striking aspects of the list. Yamal has been a prominent contender in the Ballon d’Or race, while Olise’s position placed him above the Spain international in Garp’s final order.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was seventh, followed by Erling Haaland in eighth. Pau Cubarsi took ninth place, while Jude Bellingham completed the top 10.

Choices for the other awards

For the best goalkeeper award, Garp selected Unai Simon in first place. The Spain goalkeeper was followed by compatriot David Raya, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha third.

Luis de la Fuente was Garp’s choice for best manager, finishing ahead of Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager.

Arsenal also topped Garp’s selection for best club, with Paris Saint-Germain placed second.