Why Lothar Matthaus believes Michael Olise finished in the right Ballon d’Or spot

Lothar Matthaus says Michael Olise’s ninth-place finish in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings was fair, despite the Bayern Munich winger’s outstanding season for club and country.

Olise attended Monday’s ceremony in London to support Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane, who won the award and ended the club’s 45-year wait for the prestigious individual honour.

The France international was among the leading contenders after an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich and the France national team. Some Bayern Munich supporters believed Olise deserved to place higher, but Matthaus said the strength of the competition justified his position.

“Olise finishing ninth is fair,” Matthaus wrote in a column for Sky Germany, as reported by Yahoo Sport.

The former Germany captain pointed to the players who finished above Olise, including Rodri, Ousmane Dembele and Erling Haaland.

“You have to look at the names of the players who finished ahead of him, such as Rodri, Ousmane Dembele and Erling Haaland,” he said. “Overall, it was an excellent vote. I congratulate everyone who organised the process and made the decisions.”

Matthaus also welcomed Kane’s success, arguing that the Bayern Munich striker was the clearest choice for the award.

“I am happy for everyone who receives an award, but I believe Harry Kane was the player who deserved the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else,” he wrote.

He added that the prize should recognise a player’s contribution across the entire season, rather than being based on a short period of form.

“This award represents recognition for a player who produced consistent performances throughout a full season, entertained the fans and was a role model,” Matthaus said.