Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane has the statistical case to be named the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner.

Kane is regarded as one of the leading candidates for the award, with the result due to be revealed in London on Monday. The 33-year-old faces strong competition from Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.

Keown said Kane should finish ahead of both Yamal and Mbappé, arguing that victory would represent a notable achievement for an English player succeeding abroad.

“It would be remarkable if Harry Kane can win the Ballon d’Or,” Keown said. “Kevin Keegan moved to Hamburg and won it twice. We hope Kane can do the same. On the numbers, he probably deserves to win it.”