According to a report by The Daily Post on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has congratulated Harry Kane after finishing second behind the Bayern Munich striker in the 2026 Ballon d’Or award. The French international acknowledged Kane’s quality and praised his achievement after missing out on the prestigious individual honour.

Mbappé finished as the runner-up, recording his highest position in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal came third in the voting, while Kane took the top prize following an impressive campaign.

Speaking to Athlon Sports, Mbappé expressed his respect for the England captain and recognised the level of performance that earned him the award.

“He deserves it; he’s a great player. People came to see great players, and he’s one of them,” Mbappé said.

The French forward had enjoyed an outstanding individual season, producing impressive numbers for both club and country. He finished as La Liga’s leading scorer with 25 goals and also topped the Champions League scoring chart with 15 goals. His performances established him as one of the most productive forwards in European football during the campaign.

Mbappé also delivered a strong performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring 10 goals during the tournament. The achievement took his career total at the World Cup to 22 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer, according to the report.

Despite these individual achievements, Mbappé was unable to claim the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid ended the season without a major trophy, while France also failed to win the World Cup. These team results formed part of the wider discussion surrounding the award and the performances of the leading contenders.

Before the ceremony, Mbappé had reportedly revealed that he did not prepare an acceptance speech. He explained that preparing one could bring bad luck, suggesting that he preferred to wait for the final outcome rather than assume he would win.

When Kane was announced as the winner, Mbappé was among the first players to congratulate him. The Bayern Munich striker subsequently made his way to the stage to receive the award.

Mbappé attended the ceremony after helping Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in El Clasico. He scored twice in the match, adding to an already impressive season.

Although the Ballon d’Or remained beyond his reach, Mbappé’s response to Kane’s victory demonstrated respect for his fellow forward. His second-place finish also highlighted his individual achievements, even as the debate over the award continued among football supporters.