According to a report by The Sun on Tuesday October 27, 2026, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have been criticised by some fans after appearing not to stand immediately when Harry Kane approached them following his Ballon d’Or victory.

Kane was crowned the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner at the London Palladium on Monday night, finishing ahead of Mbappe, who came second, while Dembele ended the voting in seventh place.

Footage from the ceremony showed Kane greeting the French duo after collecting the prestigious award.

Dembele was on his phone when Kane walked past, although he briefly put it down before shaking hands with the Bayern Munich striker.

Mbappe was initially facing away but noticed Kane when the England captain approached. The Real Madrid forward then smiled, shook Kane’s hand and embraced him.

Despite the friendly exchange, some supporters on social media accused the pair of showing a lack of respect by not immediately standing to congratulate Kane.

One fan wrote: “You should stand up when someone greets you—what kind of rude people are these?”

Another added: “Why he ain’t stand up? This guy has no respect.”

Kane appeared unfazed by the moment as he celebrated becoming the first Englishman to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since 2001.

Mbappe had been one of the leading contenders for the award after a strong season with Real Madrid, while Dembele entered the ceremony as the reigning winner.

The Ballon d’Or result saw Kane finish first, followed by Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi in the top five.