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According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday October 24, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has backed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, describing the England captain as a “total footballer” because of his outstanding qualities and versatility.
According to Daily Post Nigeria, De Zerbi believes Kane deserves to claim football’s most prestigious individual award when the ceremony takes place on Monday.
The Italian made his comments ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday, throwing his support behind the Bayern Munich forward in the debate over this year’s winner.
“Harry Kane deserves to win the Ballon d'Or in my view,” De Zerbi said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
The Spurs manager went on to highlight Kane’s ability to influence matches in different roles, explaining that his qualities extend well beyond those of a traditional centre-forward.
“He's a 9, a 10, he's a number 2, number 6, a total player,” De Zerbi added.
Kane has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football, combining an impressive goalscoring record with his ability to create opportunities for teammates.
The 33-year-old’s contribution to Bayern Munich’s attack goes beyond finishing chances. His movement, passing range, vision and ability to drop deeper make him an important link between midfield and the forward line.
According to the report, Kane scored more than 70 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season, strengthening his case for recognition at the highest individual level.
However, the Bayern striker faces competition from other leading names, including Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
Both players have attracted considerable attention for their performances, leaving the Ballon d’Or debate open ahead of the ceremony.
De Zerbi’s endorsement adds another prominent voice to the discussion, although his opinion does not guarantee that Kane will take home the award.
For Kane, winning the Ballon d’Or would represent a major individual achievement after years of establishing himself among the world’s leading forwards.
The final decision will depend on the award’s voting process, with supporters waiting to discover which player will be recognised as the outstanding performer of the year.