Luis Diaz Backs Harry Kane for 2026 Ballon d'Or After Strong Start at Bayern Munich
Luis Diaz, the winger for Bayern Munich, has expressed strong support for his teammate Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Diaz lauded Kane’s all-around skill and consistency after their recent performance helped secure a win in the DFB-Pokal.
DFB-Pokal Match Highlights
Bayern Munich began their DFB-Pokal title defense with a 4-1 win over second-division side Osnabrück, though they faced an early scare. Coach Vincent Kompany started a strong lineup including Kane, Diaz, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich, showing respect for the opponent despite the division gap.
Osnabrück shocked Bayern by taking the lead within five minutes through Robin Meissner, who scored a stunning volley from 30 yards. However, Bayern quickly responded; Kane equalized with a volley thirteen minutes later, kickstarting their comeback. Goals from Tom Bischof, Olise, and a late penalty from Kane secured the comfortable victory and progress to the second round.
Diaz on Kane's Abilities
"He’s the best in the world, without a doubt," Diaz told ESPN. "He proved it throughout last season and has been showing it for a long time. The truth is, he can do everything. I admire him a lot because I feel like he never does anything wrong."
Diaz also emphasized Kane’s team-oriented play style: "He makes his teammates play, he runs, defends, scores goals, and he can also score from long range," said the former Liverpool player.
Kane's Outstanding 2025-26 Season
Kane's form during the previous season has been exceptional. The England captain scored 73 goals and assisted eight times in 65 appearances across club and country. His six goals at the 2026 World Cup helped England finish third.
This scoring record ranks as the second-highest single-season total since 2000, just behind Lionel Messi's 82 goals in 2011-12 for Barcelona and Argentina.
Diaz remains confident that Kane deserves the top individual honor. "His mentality is incredible," he said. "For me, he’s one of the main contenders to win the Ballon d’Or. I hope he can lift it and that we can all be happy for him."
Looking Ahead in Bundesliga
With Kane already scoring in the new campaign, Bayern Munich aim to keep their momentum in the Bundesliga. They have scored nine goals in their last two matches and will face Schalke, who recently earned promotion back to the top flight, this Saturday.
- Match: Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich
- Date: 5 September 2026
- Time: 18:30
After the match, Bayern will find out their next opponent in the DFB-Pokal second round.
