Anthony Gordon has identified Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane as his leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the award ceremony due to take place on 26 October.
The final weeks of the race are now under way after the 30-player shortlist was announced. Among those competing for the prize are Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Rodri, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele.
Gordon believes the award should go to either Yamal or Kane, who have both enjoyed outstanding seasons but have made their cases in different ways.
Yamal, 19, was runner-up to Dembele last year. Since then, he has helped win the World Cup, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, while also being named La Liga Player of the Season.
The Barcelona forward will face competition from Kane, whose campaign included Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and German Super Cup success. Kane also won the European Golden Shoe and helped England finish third at the World Cup.
Gordon said Kane could have an advantage when the decision is judged on statistical output, although he was emphatic about Yamal’s ability and achievements at such a young age.
“For me, it has to be one of the two in terms of what they've achieved. What Lamine's achieved at such a young age. The kind of player he is, is ridiculous. He's on a whole other level right now. For a 19-year-old to be doing what he's doing is crazy,” Gordon said.
Asked whether Yamal is currently the best winger in world football, Gordon replied: “I think so. I think when you're talking as a pure player, ability, for me he's number one for sure.”
He then highlighted Kane’s record over the previous season and said the England striker had an equally strong claim because of his goalscoring, his contribution to the World Cup and the scale of his achievements.
“But if we were talking off last season, he's got as big of an argument as anybody because his season was historic.
“The amount of goals he scored, the things he's done for us within the World Cup, they both have large arguments. So I wish them both the best of luck.”