Bukayo Saka tipped to challenge Kane and Rice for Ballon d'Or

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has identified Bukayo Saka as a surprise contender for this year’s Ballon d'Or, saying the Arsenal winger is "very close" to Harry Kane and Declan Rice in the race to become the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Hasselbaink, who has worked with the national team, praised both Kane and Rice for their seasons.

He highlighted Kane’s 45 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich and described Rice as nearly perfect after a campaign that has seen him contribute four goals and 11 assists for Arsenal. The former striker argued Saka belongs in the same elite group as those frontrunners, stating: “I think Saka would be very, very, close behind them, or in that same group.

That's how much I think of him.” His endorsement came during wider discussion of the England trio leading the 2026 Ballon d'Or conversation ahead of October’s ceremony.

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