India, Sept. 10 -- The 2026 Ballon d'Or race has taken a turn after Declan Rice backed Harry Kane for football's biggest individual prize globally at the highest level. Rice has also found a place among the 30 nominees after winning the Premier League title as the Arsenal captain last season. The midfielder has picked his England captain as the player he would most like to see lift the trophy.

Kane's remarkable season gives the endorsement plenty of weight. The Bayern Munich striker combined relentless goalscoring with silverware, making him one of the leading contenders ahead of the October Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Declan Rice Ballon d'Or Pick

Declan Rice's verdict adds an intriguing English angle to an already competitive Ballon d'Or ra...