They don't dare

Opinion piece criticizing Kane's Ballon d'Or win over Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, arguing the award lacks courage and prestige.

A Spanish sports columnist questions the credibility of the Ballon d'Or after Harry Kane won the award over Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. The writer argues Kane's selection feels like a safe, politically motivated choice to honor an English player in London, rather than recognizing Yamal's exceptional talent and unpredictability. Kane, who joined Bayern Munich this season, has never won the Champions League or World Cup and plays in a league ranked third or fourth among Europe's top five. While acknowledging Kane as an excellent striker, the columnist contends that Yamal possesses the magic and spectacle the award should celebrate. The piece also praises Barcelona's Alexia Putellas, who won the women's Ballon d'Or for a third time, and Luis de la Fuente's coaching award, noting that Barcelona's dominance at the ceremony reflects the club's current status as the world's best team. The columnist concludes that the Ballon d'Or has lost prestige through such decisions.