Not from Barcelona: Pique picks his favourite candidate for the Ballon d'Or

The legendary defender leans towards England's captain

The winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or will soon be crowned, and the nominations and predictions are already flowing thick and fast, with a host of world football's biggest stars locked in fierce competition for the prestigious award.

Gerard Piqué has thrown his hat into the ring. The former Barcelona and Spain legend has named the three players he sees as the frontrunners ahead of the eagerly awaited ceremony in London.

Piqué spent many years in the Barcelona shirt and lifted a host of major honours with the club. Yet he refused to favour any of the Catalan side's current stars, even with Lamine Yamal and Rodri on his list.

Speaking to "Daily Sport" about his three favourites for the Ballon d'Or, Piqué said: "For me, the three favourites are Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri."

Kane's inclusion hands the England star a fresh boost in the race, following a standout season at Bayern Munich. Yamal, meanwhile, stands out as one of the strongest contenders of the lot.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, earns his place on Piqué's list after leading Spain to the 2026 World Cup title.

Attention now shifts to the ceremony in London on 26 October, where the winner will be revealed. Whoever takes the crown succeeds Ousmane Dembélé, last year's recipient.

Read also: A slap in Mbappé's face: Real fans nominate Yamal for the Ballon d'Or!