Former Real Madrid star Guti questioned Harry Kane’s 2026 Ballon d’Or victory, connecting the English striker’s win to the relocation of the award ceremony to London.
The Spaniard’s objection came after the Bayern Munich forward topped the rankings ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in a tightly contested edition that concluded with Kane claiming the accolade for the first time.
Speaking in statements reported by Diario AS, Guti said: “What a coincidence that they move the 70th-anniversary Ballon d’Or ceremony to London, and a player from London wins it.”
He added: “Lamine and Mbappé deserved it more,” voicing his disagreement with the final standings despite his deep ties to Real Madrid—represented by Mbappé—and the presence of Yamal at arch-rivals Barcelona.
Guti also pointed to Kane’s visible astonishment at the moment his name was announced, arguing that his reaction reflected his own lack of expectation, while footage published by DAZN showed the former Real Madrid star placing his hands over his face as the result was revealed.
The selection of London had been officially announced on May 28—prior to the start of the World Cup and before voting concluded—with organizers clarifying that the move was intended to mark the award’s 70th anniversary and honor Englishman Stanley Matthews, its inaugural recipient in 1956.
France Football has organized the award in partnership with UEFA since 2024, with the winner determined through a vote by international journalists.
As for Kane, his candidacy was anchored by a stellar season during which he bagged 73 goals for club and country, secured a domestic treble with Bayern Munich, reached the Champions League semi-finals, and claimed a World Cup bronze medal—a campaign that ultimately tipped the scales in his favor among voters.
