German football icon Lothar Matthäus has offered his detailed perspective on the recent Ballon d’Or awards, which saw Harry Kane claim the prestigious individual honour. Matthäus, a former Germany international, also commented on the ninth-place finish of Bayern Munich‘s Michael Olise and the overall top three.
Writing in a column for Sky Germany, Matthäus expressed his satisfaction with the voting process and the final outcomes. He firmly believes that Harry Kane was the most deserving recipient of the Ballon d’Or trophy.
Kane’s Deserved Victory
Harry Kane, who also plays for Bayern Munich, secured the top award. Matthäus lauded Kane’s consistent performance throughout the season, his ability to entertain fans, and his role as a professional example. “I’m happy for everyone who receives an award, but I believe Harry Kane is the player who deserved the Ballon d’Or the most,” Matthäus stated. He added, “This trophy is recognition for a player who has performed consistently throughout an entire season, entertained the fans and served as a role model.”
Olise’s Fair Ranking
Michael Olise, another Bayern Munich player, finished ninth in the Ballon d’Or voting. While some Bayern supporters might have hoped for a higher position for the Frenchman, Matthäus considered his ranking to be appropriate given the calibre of players above him. “Olise finishing ninth is fair enough,” Matthäus wrote. He elaborated on his view, saying, “You have to look at the names ahead of him: Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé and Erling Haaland. Overall, it was an excellent vote. My compliments to everyone who organised it and made the decisions.”
Mbappé, Yamal, and Bellingham
Matthäus also weighed in on the players who completed the top three alongside Kane. Kylian Mbappé secured second place, while Barcelona‘s Lamine Yamal finished third. Matthäus indicated a preference for Mbappé’s performance over Yamal’s. He noted that Mbappé “delivered more than Yamal,” and pointed out that Yamal experienced a significant injury period during the assessment, scored only one goal at the World Cup, and did not match the statistical output of players like Kane, Mbappé, or Olise.
Furthermore, Matthäus suggested that Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, despite not making the top three, should have been included in the overall top 10. “In my view, Mbappé delivered more than Yamal, who was injured for a long period during the assessment period, scored only one goal at the World Cup and did not put up the numbers of Kane, Mbappé, Michael Olise or Jude Bellingham, whom I would also have included in the top 10,” Matthäus concluded.