Football · 2026-10-23
Declan Rice Backs Harry Kane for Ballon d'Or: 'It's His Time'
By Ghostwriter KIERO SWISS · based on reporting by ESPN
ESPN quotes Declan Rice declaring that Harry Kane 'deserves' the 2026 Ballon d'Or and that 'it's his time', giving the Bayern Munich forward a prominent public backer from within the England setup. Rice cites Kane's leadership, consistency and goal volume across club and country as the foundation for his claim.
The endorsement carries weight because Rice himself is a Ballon d'Or nominee this year, making the gesture both selfless and strategic. The article notes similar backing from other senior internationals, suggesting a coordinated push.
For followers of award politics, peer validation often precedes jury consensus; we read this as a signal that the English bloc is coalescing around Kane.
Source: Declan Rice: Harry Kane 'deserves' Ballon d'Or': 'It's his time' — ESPN
Our take: A high-profile teammate's endorsement signals shifting momentum inside the England camp.