On September 12, Alan Shearer updated his personal column. The legendary former England striker believes Kane should win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, with Mbappé and Rodri as his two other options.

I was disappointed not to win the Ballon d'Or in 1996

In 1996, I desperately wanted to win the Ballon d'Or because I was performing exceptionally well that year. I was the tournament's top scorer at Euro 96, but Germany won in the end, and their midfielder Sammer received the Ballon d'Or award. Typically, the Ballon d'Or is always given to players who have won a major tournament—the World Cup, European Championship, or Champions League.

I may be right. I believe there have only been three instances where the Ballon d'Or was given to a player who hadn't won a major tournament, and all three times it was Messi.

I remember 1996 well. Sammer was an excellent player at the time and won the European Championship, so I completely understood when I heard he won the Ballon d'Or. But when I attended the award ceremony, my heart was full of confidence and hope. I scored 31 goals in the league that year, which was remarkable at the time, and I was Euro 96's top scorer and also the world's most expensive player. So I attended the awards ceremony with great confidence and hope.

Overall, while I was quite disappointed not to win, I understood that giving the Ballon d'Or to Sammer was justified given his achievements.

I'm backing Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or

For the 2026 Ballon d'Or, Kane will get my vote. Kane's goals last season, winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup—it's all impressive. Of course, his performance for England at the World Cup fell short of expectations, but when I look at all the other candidates, based on his performances and goal tally, he's truly outstanding. Therefore, I will certainly cast my vote for Harry Kane for this year's Ballon d'Or.

Among the candidates who could follow closely, Mbappé is one, and you can't overlook Rodri, who had an outstanding performance at the World Cup. I know he didn't play many matches last season due to injury, but considering his performances for Spain, Rodri could well be another strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. Rodri was the best player at the World Cup and lifted the trophy as captain. These three are my top options for the Ballon d'Or, with Kane in first place.

Lewis Hall is the best left-back in the Premier League

For Newcastle United, Lewis Hall signing a new long-term contract is good news. Other clubs are always showing strong interest in top players, and he's an excellent left-back.

There aren't many players who stand out as a left-back currently, and Newcastle United has one of the best, so I understand why other clubs were pursuing him during the transfer window. The only question is how much the contract matters if he decides to leave someday. However, he seems very happy right now and was even willing to sign a new deal, so I'm pleased for Newcastle United and for him.

I've been impressed with Lewis Hall's performance at the start of this season, and now he just needs to stay fit, because when he's in good physical condition, he's one of the best left-backs in the league, and possibly the best.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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