Bellingham and Rogers back Kane for 2026 Ballon d’Or after England win

Elias Boateng October 07, 2026

Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have backed England captain Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after England’s 3-0 victory over Czech Republic in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.

Kane scored twice at Wembley as England secured the comfortable win, taking his international goals tally to 91. His performance also saw him equal Peter Shilton’s record for the most appearances for England, with both players having represented their country 125 times.

The Bayern Munich striker opened the scoring with his 90th goal for England, converting a chance created by Rogers. He then added a second with a header from a corner to complete a memorable night for the 32-year-old.

Bellingham, who has also been nominated for the award, said Kane’s achievements came as no surprise and that the striker deserved every honour he had received.

“Nothing he does surprises me,” Bellingham said. “He is a great role model and a great person, and it is an honour to share the pitch with him. Everything he gets, he deserves, because he works extremely hard for it.”

Asked whether Kane could win the Ballon d’Or, the Real Madrid midfielder replied: “Yes, who knows? It is certainly possible.”

Rogers was more direct in his support for his international team-mate, arguing that Kane’s performances had already surpassed expectations.

“Harry Kane should win the Ballon d’Or,” Rogers said. “He has gone beyond everything people imagined he was capable of doing… the hat-tricks, the goals at the World Cup and the goals with Bayern. What more can he do? He should be rewarded for that.”

Kane is among the leading contenders for the prize, alongside France forward Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October, with Kane’s latest display strengthening the case made by his England team-mates. His two goals against Czech Republic combined a milestone appearance with another significant contribution to his country’s scoring record.