Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has congratulated Harry Kane after finishing second behind the England striker in the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal taking third place.

Mbappé described Kane as a deserving winner, telling Athlon Sports: “He deserves it; he’s a great player. People came to see great players, and he’s one of them.”

The French international finished the season with 25 goals in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League. He also scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, taking his career tally in the competition to 22, according to the report.

Despite his individual achievements, Real Madrid ended the season without a major trophy, while France also failed to win the World Cup.

Mbappé had earlier revealed that he did not prepare an acceptance speech before the ceremony, saying he believed such preparation could invite misfortune. He was also among the first players to congratulate Kane after the winner was announced.

The forward attended the ceremony shortly after scoring twice in Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou.