Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has identified Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe as the standout favorites to claim the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Speaking during a press conference ahead of the Super Cup final against Aston Villa, the Portuguese international noted that while he would personally prefer to see a teammate win the prestigious individual honor, he recognizes the exceptional campaigns put together by Kane and Mbappe.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place on Monday, October 26, in London, England. The race remains highly competitive, with both Kane and Mbappe boasting impressive statistics from the previous season. Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, recorded 42 goals and seven assists across 44 appearances, securing the LaLiga Pichichi and the UEFA Champions League Golden Boot. Furthermore, he finished as the top scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, netting 10 goals in eight matches.
Harry Kane’s form for Bayern Munich was equally prolific, as the striker tallied 61 goals and seven assists in 51 matches. His campaign included winning the European Golden Boot and scoring six goals in seven games for England during the World Cup, placing him among the most statistically dominant players in world football.
Vitinha also pointed to his PSG colleague Ousmane Dembele as a serious contender, citing the winger’s role in the club’s successful season, which included victories in Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, and the Trophee des Champions. Dembele contributed 20 goals and 11 assists in 40 games for Luis Enrique’s side, alongside six goals and two assists in eight World Cup appearances. Despite other candidates potentially holding higher raw goal contribution numbers, Vitinha believes Dembele’s trophy haul makes him one of the Parisians’ strongest hopes for the award.
The striker also scored 10 goals in 8 games and finished as the top goalscorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Kane scored 61 goals and delivered seven assists in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last term.
The Frenchman played an active role as the Parisians won Ligue 1, the UCL and the Trophee des Champions among others.
He went on to reveal that he would give the award to one of his teammates in the Parisians squad if he were to choose.
He also named two players who have a decent chance of emerging as the winner of the award, saying (via Madrid Xtra on X)
