Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has thrown his support behind Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the Bayern Munich striker as the clear choice for football’s most prestigious individual award.
Rice made the declaration after facing his England teammate in an entertaining UEFA Champions League encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Although Rice scored Arsenal’s late equaliser to secure a point, he reserved special praise for Kane, whose goal and creative contribution helped Bayern threaten to take all three points.
“For me, he’s the clear winner,” Rice said after the match. “I think his numbers speak for themselves. The year he’s had has been remarkable.”
The Arsenal midfielder acknowledged that Kane faces competition from other world-class players but argued that the striker’s performances and all-round ability make him deserving of the award.
“He’s obviously up against some other world-class players, but when you play with him, you realise how good he is, and when you play against him, you see how much of a pain it is,” Rice added.
Rice also highlighted Kane’s contribution to Bayern’s attacking play, particularly the pass that created Alphonso Davies’ equaliser and his composure when converting a second-half penalty.
“As a striker, to play that pass that he did for that goal, and then obviously take the penalty how he did, it’s just… yeah, he’s ridiculous. He’s such a good player,” he said.
The comments carried additional significance because Rice and Kane have shared the England dressing room, giving the Arsenal midfielder experience of the striker’s quality both as a teammate and an opponent.
Kane delivered an influential performance against Arsenal, helping Bayern recover after falling behind in the first half. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward dropped into deeper positions to link play before producing a precise through-ball that allowed Davies to restore parity.
Arsenal had taken the lead in the 25th minute through Eberechi Eze, who finished after receiving a pass from Martin Ødegaard. Eze had entered the game as an early replacement for the injured Bukayo Saka.
Bayern responded ten minutes later when Davies finished Kane’s incisive pass, leaving the teams level at the interval.
Kane then put the German champions ahead from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after a handball decision against Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber. The goal extended Kane’s remarkable run of scoring in ten consecutive Champions League appearances, moving him within one match of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of eleven consecutive scoring appearances in the competition.
However, Bayern were unable to hold on to their advantage. Rice completed a well-worked Arsenal move in the 82nd minute, finishing from an acute angle after combining with substitute Viktor Gyökeres to earn the visitors a valuable draw.
Despite scoring the goal that denied Bayern victory, Rice remained emphatic in his assessment of Kane’s Ballon d’Or credentials.
The Bayern striker has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 award following an outstanding season, with his goalscoring record and influence on his team’s performances strengthening his case.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is among the other prominent names in the conversation, setting up a contest between established excellence and emerging talent as the ceremony approaches.
Rice is also familiar with the significance of the award, having been nominated himself. Nevertheless, the Arsenal midfielder made it clear that his personal recognition would not prevent him from backing his international teammate.
“I’m lucky I can play with him and not so lucky I have to play against him,” Rice said, underlining the respect he holds for the Bayern forward.
Kane, meanwhile, acknowledged that waiting for the result was stressful, particularly for his family, but said there was little he could do while the voting outcome remained unknown.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for October 26 in London, Rice’s endorsement adds to the growing public debate over who deserves to be crowned the world’s best player for 2026.
Whether Kane ultimately claims the prize remains to be seen, but his performance against Arsenal provided another reminder of the qualities that have made him one of the leading contenders.
