Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or isn’t great news for the Premier League.
Harry Kane’s win of the 2026 Ballon d’Or isn’t great news for the Premier League and shows why it’s one of the toughest leagues to win this award from. Kane’s best years were in the Premier League during the 2010s and early 2020s, but this time, he won it after moving to Germany and playing in the Bundesliga.
By heading to Germany and playing in a less competitive league, Kane proved what many fans have thought all along: the Premier League isn’t the easiest place to become a Ballon d’Or winner.
Now, what about Rodri? He’s another Premier League player linked to the award, but if success there depends on being part of a wealthy team like Manchester City, it’s not looking very positive for others.
Looking back, only a few players in the Premier League have won the Ballon d’Or – Ronaldo and Michael Owen are the notable examples. But many amazing players like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne have played alongside Kane and often outperformed him. Salah, for example, had one of his best seasons breaking records and leading Liverpool to their first title in 35 years, yet he only finished fourth for the Ballon d’Or.
De Bruyne had incredible seasons too, especially in 2019/20 with record-setting assists, but his podium place came when he was past his absolute peak. Kane’s best Premier League seasons came when he won the Golden Boot and Playmaker Award, but his Ballon d’Or came after his move to Germany, where scoring goals is easier.
Did Kane win anything unexpected? Not really. Bayern Munich often dominate the Bundesliga, so him winning the league was expected. But he didn’t win a World Cup or Champions League, trophies usually highly valued for the Ballon d’Or.
So how did he win? Simply put, Kane got lucky this time because his main rivals didn’t have standout claims. If other players like Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappe had major tournament wins, they might have won instead.
This doesn’t take away from Kane’s achievement – he was worthy this year – but it does highlight how hard it is for Premier League players to get the recognition they deserve. The award tends to treat leagues like La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga as equal to the Premier League, even though playing in England is often tougher.
Kane couldn’t have scored as many goals or won the same trophies here, and the intense schedule leaves little rest. Salah and De Bruyne both felt this pressure, though De Bruyne had the advantage of playing in a financially strong Manchester City side.
Basically, Kane’s win shows the challenge for Premier League stars. Until the Ballon d’Or changes how it views different leagues, more players might follow Kane’s path – moving abroad for an easier schedule, more rest, and a better chance at the award.
That’s why some players, like Trent Alexander-Arnold, have made tough career moves chasing the chance to become the best. Premier League players know they have the hardest road, but without changes in the award’s view, will the league keep losing its top talent?