Toni Kroos explains why the Ballon d’Or vote could have been different

Former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos believes the 2026 Ballon d’Or results were heavily influenced by the World Cup, arguing that the tournament’s importance may have overshadowed performances across the entire club season.

Harry Kane won football’s most prestigious individual award after an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich and a strong World Cup with England. However, Kroos suggested that the outcome might have been different if voters had focused exclusively on club football.

Speaking on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast, which he hosts with his brother Felix, Kroos named Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as his personal choice. The Georgian played a key role in PSG’s successful campaign, helping the French side win major trophies, including the Champions League.

Kvaratskhelia finished sixth in the Ballon d’Or rankings, but Kroos believes he would have had a much stronger chance of winning without the World Cup factor. Georgia did not qualify for the tournament, leaving the winger without an opportunity to strengthen his case on the international stage.

Kroos also argued that Kylian Mbappé would not have finished in the top five without his World Cup performances, while Lamine Yamal’s chances would have been reduced without Spain’s title. His comments underline how international tournaments can shape the debate around football’s biggest individual award, sometimes changing the balance between a player’s club achievements and performances for their national team.