SportsHindustan Times
World Cup alters 2026 Ballon d'Or contenders
in5points
Spain's World Cup triumph reshaped the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, elevating Rodri, Messi and Cubarsi as contenders.
Rodri won the World Cup Golden Ball with 93% pass accuracy and 26 tackles, despite an injury-disrupted club season.
Harry Kane scored 73 goals and won Bundesliga/DFB-Pokal, but England's semi-final exit weakened his Ballon d'Or case.
The World Cup diminished the value of strong club seasons not followed by international success.
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