Ballack backs Kane for Ballon d'Or over Mbappé and Yamal

Ballack backs Kane for the Ballon d'Or over Mbappé and Yamal, citing his prolific goalscoring record.

Michael Ballack, the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder, has backed Harry Kane to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Speaking on DAZN before El Clásico, Ballack said: "Since Messi and Ronaldo are not among the top candidates, I think Kane deserves this award for the great number of goals he has scored both with Bayern and with England."

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 matches last season, winning the Golden Boot, and has added 10 goals in 12 games this campaign. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany also praised Kane's overall contribution, saying he "deserves the award for the way he plays for the team."

The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place Monday evening at 21:00 CET. Kane, Mbappé and Yamal are the leading contenders: Mbappé scored prolifically last season and holds the all-time World Cup goalscoring record; Yamal won La Liga and the World Cup; Kane won the Bundesliga alongside his goal tally.