Uli Hoeness Questions Harry Kane Losing Ballon d’Or 2026 Race to Lionel Messi
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has questioned whether Harry Kane should lose out to Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Hoeness believes Kane has a stronger case for the prestigious individual award after producing an exceptional 2025/26 campaign for both Bayern Munich and the England national team.
According to Bayern-based outlet Abendzeitung, Hoeness was critical of the Ballon d’Or selection process and pointed to Kane’s remarkable numbers throughout the season as evidence that the Bayern striker deserves to win the award.
Kane enjoyed a prolific campaign in 2025/26, scoring 61 goals across all competitions, including 36 in the Bundesliga. His goalscoring contribution played a major role in helping Bayern collect several major trophies during the season.
The 33-year-old striker helped Bayern secure the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the DFL-Supercup. He was also an important figure for England as they reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Hoeness subsequently compared Kane’s achievements with those of Messi, arguing that the Argentina international did not enjoy a similarly successful campaign at club or international level.
Messi reportedly failed to win a major trophy with Inter Miami during the 2025/26 season. The Argentina captain also saw his hopes of successfully defending the World Cup crown end in defeat, with Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain in the final.
“He absolutely deserves it, and I hope he wins it. Harry Kane has had an outstanding season in every competition. If he doesn’t deserve it this year, then when does he?” Hoeness said, as quoted by Bulinews.
“In my opinion, giving the Ballon d’Or to Messi for the ninth time would make no sense at all!”
Hoeness also addressed the chances of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe in the Ballon d’Or race. The Bayern honorary president questioned whether the Frenchman had a stronger case than Kane given Real Madrid’s lack of silverware during the campaign.
“Mbappe? They didn’t win a single title, while we won two,” Hoeness added.
Hoeness’ comments underline the strength of the support within Bayern for Kane’s Ballon d’Or hopes. After a season defined by an exceptional goalscoring record and a collection of major trophies, the England striker has emerged as a prominent contender for the 2026 award.
The debate will ultimately depend on how voters assess individual performances, team success and international achievements, but Hoeness has made his position clear: in his view, Kane’s 2025/26 campaign provides a compelling case for the Bayern forward to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour.
