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Saka Enters 2026 Ballon d'Or Conversation Beside Kane and Rice After Hasselbaink Backing

Bookmakers still install Kane as a frontrunner behind Mbappé, with Rice prominent after a near‑perfect campaign.

Overview

  • Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said Bukayo Saka is "very, very, close" to Harry Kane and Declan Rice in the Ballon d'Or discussion during a talkSPORT interview.
  • Harry Kane has 45 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season and is priced just behind Kylian Mbappé with most bookmakers.
  • Declan Rice has been described by Hasselbaink as close to perfect this season, contributing four goals and 11 assists while driving Arsenal’s title push.
  • Bukayo Saka has eight goals and seven assists in 36 appearances this term, remaining pivotal for Arsenal despite lower raw numbers than last season.
  • TalkSPORT reports Saka has signed a new Arsenal deal worth north of £300,000 per week, as the award will not be decided until October, leaving time for all three to strengthen their cases.