Gerard Piqué names Harry Kane as his Ballon d'Or favourite

Gerard Piqué has named his three frontrunners for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with England captain Harry Kane getting the nod as his top pick. The former Barcelona and Spain defender made his selections public just over a month before the prestigious award ceremony in London.

Piqué identified Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri as the leading contenders. He spoke to Daily Sport about the race, refusing to show automatic favouritism towards Barcelona's current stars despite his long history with the club. Kane's inclusion follows a standout season at Bayern Munich, while teenage sensation Yamal represents a formidable challenge. Rodri, who won the award in 2024, earned his place after captaining Spain to victory in the 2026 World Cup.

The ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London. The winner will succeed Ousmane Dembélé, who claimed the prize last year. Piqué's analysis adds his considerable weight to the pre-award discussions, drawing on his experience as a player who competed at the highest level for over a decade.

Piqué's career with Barcelona and Spain gives his opinion significant authority in football circles. He won numerous major honours during his playing days, including multiple Champions League titles and a World Cup with Spain in 2010. His refusal to simply back Barcelona's nominees shows a measured approach to the selection.

Kane's consistent goal scoring for Bayern makes him a logical candidate. Yamal's rapid rise at Barcelona has been spectacular. Rodri's role as the midfield engine for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team provides a compelling case for a second Ballon d'Or win. The competition between these three players will define the award season.

No other substantive news about Gerard Piqué's current activities was found in the provided sources. The first story concerned a high school coach named Shane Gerard, which is a different person. The third story was about commentator Candace Owens and contained no information related to the footballer. Therefore, Piqué's Ballon d'Or commentary is the sole recent development from the former defender.

• Piqué's Favourites: The ex-defender selected Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri as his top three for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
• Ceremony Date: The award will be presented in London on 26 October 2026.
• Current Holder: Ousmane Dembélé is the reigning Ballon d'Or winner from 2025.
• Piqué's Pedigree: His opinion carries weight due to his legendary career with Barcelona and Spain.