Luis Diaz Backs Bayern Munich Star Harry Kane for 2026 Ballon d’Or
Luis Diaz has placed Bayern Munich team-mate Harry Kane at the front of his ballot for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the England captain’s standards in daily training have made an already formidable reputation even more impressive.
2026 Ballon d’Or at a glance
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony | October 26, 2026 | Ballon d’Or event in London |
| Kane output | 73 goal contributions | For Bayern Munich and England in 2025-26 |
| Kane nomination | Eighth | His eighth Ballon d’Or shortlist appearance |
| Diaz recognition | 30-man shortlist | First major Ballon d’Or milestone for the Colombian |
The Colombian winger has seen Kane from both sides of the rivalry. Having previously faced the striker during his Liverpool spell, Diaz now shares a Bayern dressing room with him and said the close view has underlined the forward’s finishing, preparation and mentality.
Diaz said he had long known Kane’s record as a scorer, but watching him work every day had increased his admiration. He described the England skipper as magnificent and said he struggled to find language that fully captured his quality.
Kane’s case has been strengthened by an exceptional 2025-26 season. He has produced 73 combined goals for club and country, while Bayern completed a clean sweep of Germany’s three domestic trophies.
For Diaz, that output and the striker’s influence make Kane the leading candidate for football’s most prestigious individual prize. He said he hoped his Bayern colleague would receive the award when the ceremony is held in London on October 26.
The award race will also carry an England dimension, with Kane competing against international team-mates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. This year’s selection is Kane’s eighth nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
Diaz is among the 30 nominees himself and said the inclusion was a source of pride. He viewed the recognition as a reward for the targets and standards he has set throughout his career, adding that such moments bring satisfaction even when they once seemed distant.
