Cucurella: I wouldn’t have given the Ballon d'Or to Harry Kane

Marc Cucurella, Spanish international and Real Madrid player, said he would not have given the Ballon d'Or to Harry Kane despite acknowledging the England captain's extraordinary season and the fact that this year Kane won the award for the first time in his career.

Speaking about the result, Cucurella stressed that Kane's numbers are exceptional but argued that other players captured his imagination more as a fan.

"I wouldn't say the award was undeserved. If you look at Kane's numbers, those are statistical figures that perhaps no one will ever repeat. In that respect he had an outstanding season. Still, I would have given the Ballon d'Or to Lamine Yamal or Kylian Mbappé. Those are players for whom, as a football fan, I would turn on the TV. I was surprised when I saw that Kane had won the award," Cucurella told El Chiringuito TV.

Kane's season in numbers

Harry Kane, captain of England and Bayern Munich's top scorer, netted more than 50 goals for the German club last season and helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals, where they eventually took the bronze medal. With Bayern he won the domestic double in Germany and finished the season with a total of 73 goals.

Barcelona winger and Cucurella's club teammate Lamine Yamal won the Best Young Player award for the third consecutive year. At the ceremony Yamal said: "It is an honor for me to receive this recognition. I wanted the award to go to my teammate Pau Cubarsi. I have won it for the third time in a row. I thank my teammates from the club and the national team. I will continue to work to become even better."

Cucurella also noted Kylian Mbappé's name among the favourites, although Mbappé ended last season without winning a trophy. The debate over who deserved the Ballon d'Or underlined differing views among players and fans about form, excitement and statistical achievement.

Photo: press material from the event