Lewandowski backs Yamal for Ballon d’Or as Bayern trio emerge as contenders

Robert Lewandowski has selected Lamine Yamal as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while naming Bayern Munich forwards Michael Olise and Harry Kane among the players who could challenge the Barcelona winger.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich striker said Yamal’s performances were remarkable, particularly given his age.

“Of course, I push my finger for Lamine to win the Ballon d’Or, because he’s amazing, especially for his age,” Lewandowski told The Athletic.

Lewandowski also highlighted Olise’s progress in Germany and believes the France international has the ability to establish himself among the leading players in world football.

“Olise has a huge future. I know that everyone is talking about Lamine, but I try to find sometimes the different players and see something, sometimes that not everyone sees yet,” he said.

The Poland international suggested Olise’s prospects would have been even stronger if he had scored at the recently completed 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“For me also, probably if Olise scored one or two goals in the World Cup, he would be the favourite also to win the Ballon d’Or, with Lamine or with Harry Kane, also,” Lewandowski added.

Praise for Bayern’s attacking partnership

Lewandowski was equally positive about Kane’s influence since the England captain moved to Bayern. He praised the striker’s goalscoring record and said he had filled a role the club had lacked following his own departure.

“Harry Kane came to Bayern in his prime and what he’s doing is amazing, how many goals he’s scoring, and especially that Bayern missed this kind of striker after I left,” he said.

He believes Bayern have formed an effective attacking unit with Kane, Olise and Luis Diaz, with the three players offering contrasting strengths.

“And with him they’re doing a really good job and Olise for me is like: ‘Wow.’ He’s the game-changer player. And I think this work and cooperation between Kane, Olise and Diaz is like a perfect match,” Lewandowski said.

Olise’s judgement has particularly impressed him, including his ability to decide whether to shoot himself or create an opportunity for a team-mate.

Lewandowski also argued that Bayern’s displays last season deserved wider recognition. He said winning the Champions League would have lifted their campaign to the same level as the club’s historic treble-winning 2019/20 season.

Bayern’s dominance in the Bundesliga, including a 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig, was cited by Lewandowski as evidence of the club’s continued progress.

“The Bundesliga changed a bit the last one, two years compared to when I was there,” he said. “But of course, how Bayern develops, that is something amazing that everyone can learn from them and try to follow them.”

Yamal remains Lewandowski’s preferred choice, but his comments underline Olise’s growing reputation and Kane’s continued importance in the Ballon d’Or race.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the 70th annual awards ceremony at the London Palladium.