Teddy Sheringham has delivered a blunt assessment of Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or prospects, insisting the England captain simply hasn’t done enough where it matters most.
Despite a remarkable haul of 61 goals in just 51 outings for Bayern Munich during the 2025/26 season, the former Tottenham striker believes Kane’s failure to deliver silverware in Europe’s premier club competition counts decisively against him.
Kane also found the net six times at the World Cup, guiding England to a third-place finish. Yet for Sheringham, individual brilliance without the ultimate team honours falls short of what the prestigious award demands.
The 33-year-old forward has been named among the 30-man shortlist for this year’s ceremony, scheduled for 26 October in London.
Harry Kane ‘won’t win Ballon d’Or’, says Teddy Sheringham
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Speaking to talkSPORT presenters Sam Matterface, Alex Crook and Scott Minto, Sheringham left little room for ambiguity. “Would he get my vote? Not really,” he said.
The former England international acknowledged Kane’s extraordinary output, conceding the striker enjoyed a sensational campaign. Yet he maintained that the golden ball traditionally goes to those who triumph on the grandest stages.
“I think he’s had a phenomenal season, but the Ballon d’Or winner is normally one that wins the Champions League or the World Cup, or whatever is there at that moment,” Sheringham explained.
His verdict was characteristically forthright. “He didn’t quite do that, so he’s an also-ran for me. Sorry about that, Harry!”
Kane contributed seven assists alongside his prolific goalscoring record, but trophies ultimately eluded him at the highest level.
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Jr in 2024
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When pressed on who deserves the honour, Sheringham threw his weight behind Rodri, the Spanish midfielder who claimed the 2024 award.
Now at Barcelona following a summer transfer, Rodri lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his final campaign at Manchester City, where he made 33 appearances.
He then proved instrumental in Spain’s World Cup glory, featuring in every one of their eight matches as they secured their first world title since 2010 with a final victory over Argentina.
“He’s a leader, his teams normally win week in, week out. Manchester City, Spain,” Sheringham declared.
The former Spurs man was emphatic about Rodri’s winning pedigree regardless of his surroundings. “I know he’s gone now but whoever he plays for, they win,” he added.
Among the 30 nominees, Fabian Ruiz stands alone as the sole candidate to have secured both Champions League and World Cup glory this year.
Fabian Ruiz won the World Cup and Champions League this year
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The 30-year-old Spaniard appeared in nine of Paris Saint-Germain’s European matches en route to their triumph over Arsenal on penalties in the final. He also participated in every one of Spain’s World Cup fixtures, starting four of them.
Ruiz’s PSG colleague Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, is likewise in contention.
The shortlist boasts no shortage of stellar names. Record eight-time laureate Lionel Messi features alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.
The ceremony will take place in London on 26 October, promising a glittering occasion befitting the capital.
