‘Wrong choice’: Why judges misfired in Ballon d’Or voting
Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster is a huge admirer of England captain Harry Kane, both on and off the field.
But the Stan Sport expert says Kane was the “wrong choice” as Ballon d’Or winner on Tuesday (AEDT), arguing that Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi were more deserving.
Harry Kane celebrates at the World Cup. Getty Images
Kane was the first Englishman to win the coveted award as the world’s best men’s footballer since Michael Owen in 2001.
France captain Kylian Mbappé finished runner-up in the voting ahead of Spain duo Yamal and Rodri, with Argentina skipper Messi fifth.
Kane, 33, scored an incredible 73 goals for England and Bayern Munich combined during the voting period.
“Outstanding striker and goalscorer, and now creator for club and country. Worthy of the accolade,” Foster wrote on X.
“But in a World Cup year, winning that trophy should play the major role alongside club performance and talent level. Lamine Yamal won his second major title at age 19, the World Cup, along with La Liga as player of the season.
“That is a superior record this year. And what Messi did at age 39 in the World Cup is unparalleled in the history of the game. Carried his country to the final.
“Broke numerous records along the way. There is scope in the voting to award the best player, clearly the most talented footballer while balancing national and club success. Both Yamal and Messi are superior footballers, and had better World Cups. Great player, unbelievable goalscorer. But wrong choice.”
Messi, 39, has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Yamal was voted the best young talent for a third straight year but clearly wants the big prize.
“IT WILL COME, good things take time, I trust in the path I’m building,” the Barcelona winger wrote on Instagram.
“No rush, just excitement and the calm assurance that one day my time will come.”
One journalist from each of the top 100 ranked nations votes for the men’s award.
Daniel Garb was Australia’s representative.
Garb had Kane top ahead of Mbappé, Messi, Rodri and France’s Michael Olise, with Yamal sixth.
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