ARSENAL MIDFIELDER DECLAN RICE ENDORSES ENGLAND TEAMMATE HARRY KANE AS "CLEAR WINNER" FOR 2026 BALLON D'OR

Midfielder hails striker's extraordinary 61-goal season and international form following intense 2-2 Champions League clash at Allianz Arena

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has strongly endorsed England international teammate Harry Kane as the deserving recipient of the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.

Speaking to broadcasters after Arsenal's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Rice praised the 33-year-old Bayern striker, labeling him the "clear winner" ahead of the upcoming gala ceremony in London.

Rice's endorsement follows an outstanding 12-month period for Kane, who registered an astonishing 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich last season while guiding England to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Highlighting Kane's statistical dominance and leadership, Rice noted that the striker's performances and consistency put him ahead of competing global superstars, including Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.

With the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony scheduled to take place next week in London, Kane remains the frontrunner to secure football's most prestigious individual award following his record-breaking year for club and country.