Spanish media have largely accepted Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or triumph over Lamine Yamal, pointing to the Barcelona winger's lack of decisive impact in key moments as the main reason he finished third in the voting.
Kane's 73 goals last season, most of which helped Bayern Munich secure a domestic treble in Germany, made him impossible to overlook, despite strong competition from Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Yamal.
Praise for Kane's Career
AS's headline read "not Yamal or Mbappe," yet the report itself was full of praise for Kane, stating the award "recognises a career like few others, the career of one of the best strikers, and footballers, in history." It added: "There was no second star this summer, but the English will still feel that 'Football's Coming Home.'"
Another article on the same site argued the award could have been shared "in a year of imperfect candidates," while praising Kane's "impeccable yet understated career, which deserved recognition." It said: "Given equal merit, the most prestigious competition of the season should have been granted the tiebreaker."
Yamal's World Cup Role Under Scrutiny
Catalan outlet MonEsport agreed, suggesting Yamal's "discreet role" in the World Cup likely cost him the award. It said: "Having won the League and the Super Cup with Barca and the World Cup with the Spanish national team has not been enough. His discreet role in the World Cup is probably what has condemned him."
SPORT noted that both Yamal and Mbappe could have won, but the jury was not swayed by their campaigns. "It should always be that way, because it's an award earned on the pitch," the outlet said.
Historical Context and Kane's Goalscoring
Marca highlighted a recurring trend of Spain players missing out on the award in World Cup-winning years. "Once again, it leaves Spain without a Ballon d'Or in the year they won the World Cup, as happened in 2010. On that occasion, Messi beat Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez," it said.
MundoDeportivo focused on Kane's scoring record, noting his "tremendous goalscoring streak, the second best in history only behind Leo Messi's in 2011-12 (82 goals), made him one of the top candidates for the award, which he ultimately won."
