Twenty-five years. That’s how long England has waited.
Since Michael Owen lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2001, no Englishman has touched football’s most coveted individual prize.
But 2026 might finally change that.
And the race isn’t just about Harry Kane anymore.
According to Premier League legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, there are now three English superstars in serious contention — and one of them wears Arsenal red.
England’s Ballon d’Or Battle Is On
Harry Kane’s numbers are almost cartoonish.
Forty-five goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. A relentless scoring machine. A striker operating at a level Hasselbaink simply described as “ridiculous.”
Bookmakers already have Kane among the frontrunners — second only to Kylian Mbappé in some markets. If Bayern secure major silverware, especially a seventh Champions League crown, Kane’s case could become impossible to ignore.
But Kane isn’t alone.
Declan Rice, the midfield metronome driving Arsenal’s title charge, has quietly built a résumé just as compelling.
Hasselbaink didn’t hesitate.
“I think Declan Rice has been more or less perfect — as perfect as he can be over the whole season.”
Perfect.
That’s not a word thrown around lightly in football.
Rice has anchored Arsenal’s push for their first Premier League title since 2004. He’s contributed four goals and 11 assists in all competitions, but numbers barely tell the story. Leadership. Tactical intelligence. Defensive dominance. Big-game presence.
Arsenal are chasing league glory and remain in the hunt for an astonishing quadruple. If they deliver silverware — especially domestically — Rice’s stock will skyrocket.
And then there’s the wildcard.
Bukayo Saka: The Silent Climber
While the spotlight often follows Kane’s goals and Rice’s control, Bukayo Saka is creeping into the conversation — and Hasselbaink made it clear he belongs there.
“I think Saka would be very, very close behind them — or in that same group.”
That’s a serious endorsement.
Statistically, Saka hasn’t exploded like in previous seasons. Eight goals and seven assists in 36 appearances is a dip from last year’s 12 goals and 14 assists. But influence isn’t always measured in raw output.
Saka remains Arsenal’s creative heartbeat. Defenders double up on him. Managers design plans around stopping him. England build their attack through him.
At 24, he’s already a fixture in three major tournaments for the Three Lions and has just signed a new contract worth over £300,000 per week — making him Arsenal’s highest-paid player.
That isn’t just reward.
That’s recognition.
The Stakes Between Now and October
The Ballon d’Or won’t be decided until October, which means the real auditions are still ahead.
If Arsenal complete even part of their trophy chase, Rice and Saka’s credentials will intensify overnight.
If Kane delivers European glory with Bayern while maintaining his outrageous scoring rate, the narrative may feel unstoppable.
England hasn’t had a genuine three-way Ballon d’Or storyline in decades.
Now they do.
And for the first time in 25 years, the question isn’t whether an Englishman can win it.
It’s which one.
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