According to a report by Daily Mail on Tuesday October 27, 2026, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have been accused of disrespecting Harry Kane after appearing not to stand up to shake hands with the England captain at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Footage from the event at the London Palladium showed Kane approaching the two French stars, who remained seated as he greeted them. Mbappe also appeared not to stand when Kane was announced as the winner of football’s most prestigious individual award on Monday night.

Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, beat Mbappe to the Ballon d’Or after an impressive season, with the difference between the two reportedly fewer than 41 points.

The victory made Kane the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001, ending a 25-year wait for an English winner.

Mbappe had expressed confidence ahead of the ceremony, saying he always considered himself the best player in the world, although he acknowledged that people could have different opinions.

Dembele, who won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, finished seventh in this year’s rankings, behind Kane, Mbappe, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Lionel Messi and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

However, the reported behaviour of the two French players towards Kane has sparked debate over sportsmanship and whether they should have shown greater recognition for the newly crowned winner.

French outlet RMC also reported tensions surrounding the ceremony, including delays and complaints about arrangements for Dembele. However, there is no confirmation that these issues were responsible for his reaction to Kane.

Meanwhile, Kane received congratulations from his England teammate Jude Bellingham, who plays alongside Mbappe at Real Madrid.

Bellingham wrote on Instagram: “Congratulations skip!” alongside a heart and goat emoji.

Kane delivered an emotional acceptance speech, thanking his family, wife Kate Goodland, former coaches and current Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany for their contributions to his career.

The England captain later celebrated his historic achievement with his family and friends at an after-party in London before returning to Bayern Munich training on Tuesday.