Luis Diaz Picks Harry Kane to Win 2026 Ballon d'Or After Bayern Teammate's Stunning Season

Luis Diaz says Harry Kane is his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with the Bayern Munich forward telling reporters he has been left in awe watching his teammate up close every day in training.

The Colombian winger, who used to face Kane as a Premier League rival, says sharing a dressing room with him at Bayern has given him a whole new appreciation for the England captain, who racked up 73 goals for club and country this season while helping Bayern win a clean sweep of German domestic trophies.

"I already knew he scored loads of goals, but being around him every single day, seeing what he does in training, and watching his mentality, I think that dazzled me even more," Diaz told ESPN.

Asked to sum up Kane's quality, Diaz struggled to find the right words. "Brutal, I don't know, magnificent. For me, there's no description. Sometimes I can't find the perfect word to describe him," he said.

On Kane's chances of winning the award, Diaz didn't hold back. "For me, he is the number one candidate to win it. Hopefully, he can achieve it," he said.

Diaz also has his own reason to celebrate, having made this year's 30 man Ballon d'Or shortlist himself. He said just being included means a lot to him. "For me, it's a bonus because not many get the opportunity to be nominated. It fills me with pride to know I'm part of that list," he said.

He added that the nomination feels like proof his hard work has paid off. "You set targets and goals for yourself, and sometimes you don't imagine reaching this far, but things like this coming your way make you happy," Diaz said.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held in London on October 26, the first time it has taken place in England. It is the eighth nomination of Kane's career, and he goes up against fellow contenders including Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice for the top prize.