Luka Modrić has sent social media into a frenzy after making a stunning revelation about the 2026 Ballon d’Or moments after Croatia suffered a humiliating 7–0 defeat to England.
The Croatia captain was left facing one of the most painful nights of his international career as England tore his side apart, with the defeat made even more painful by a brace from one of the leading contenders for football’s biggest individual prize. But it was what Modrić said when asked about the Ballon d’Or race after the final whistle that has left fans stunned — and his answer has now gone viral.
During the post-match interview, a journalist questioned the veteran midfielder about Kane’s performance and asked whether the England striker had done enough to win the prestigious individual award.
The journalist also raised the increasingly popular comparison between Kane and Lamine Yamal, who has emerged as one of the biggest names in world football.
Modrić was then asked whether Kane’s two goals against Croatia, combined with his performances throughout the season, should give him an advantage over Yamal in the Ballon d’Or race.
According to the report, Modrić did not hesitate to back Kane.
“You have to judge their performances from last season right through to the recent World Cup. Yamal is a young, outstanding player, no doubt about that, but if you honestly look carefully at the statistics, Harry Kane should have a better chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. Kane represents himself in almost every game he plays, and you cannot say the same about Yamal.”
The comments immediately sent social media into meltdown, particularly because they came moments after Croatia had suffered a 7–0 humiliation against England.
Many fans expected Modrić to be diplomatic when discussing England’s biggest stars following such a painful defeat. Instead, his reported preference for Kane over Yamal has opened a fresh debate about what should determine the Ballon d’Or winner.
The biggest part of the controversy, however, came when Modrić reportedly questioned whether Yamal should even be among the top five contenders.
The Croatian captain allegedly argued that Yamal’s numbers at the World Cup were not strong enough to justify such a high position on the shortlist, despite Spain ultimately winning the tournament.
“Yamal shouldn’t even be in the top five contenders if we are being completely honest. A player who couldn’t register enough shots and assists in the last World Cup shouldn’t be in the top five of the Ballon d’Or. If Yamal were to win it despite those numbers, then you would have to question the integrity of the Ballon d’Or itself.”
That assessment has proved particularly controversial because Yamal was one of the key young stars of Spain’s World Cup triumph.
The Barcelona youngster’s emergence has made him one of the most talked-about players in world football, while his age has only added to the excitement surrounding his performances.
Kane, meanwhile, has continued to build his case through goals, consistency and his ability to influence matches.
His two goals against Croatia only strengthened the argument being made by those who believe the England striker deserves the individual prize.
However, Modrić’s reported comments have divided supporters.
Some England fans admitted they were surprised that the Croatian captain would choose Kane after England had just inflicted a 7–0 defeat on his team.
“Modrić choosing Kane after that result is crazy. Respect for being honest, though,” wrote @ThreeLionsTalk.
Another England supporter, @harrykaneera, posted: “He has every right to say it. Kane has been delivering goals consistently while Yamal is still developing.”
Not everyone agreed.
“Yamal won the World Cup and has been one of the most influential young players in football. Modrić is seriously underrating him,” @FootballDebateHQ argued.
The controversy has also reignited a much bigger argument over the criteria used to determine the Ballon d’Or.
Should the award primarily reward individual statistics? Should major tournament success carry more weight? Or should consistency across an entire season ultimately determine the winner?
Kane’s supporters will point towards his goals and consistency, while Yamal’s camp can point to his influence, creativity and World Cup success.
For now, the reported words attributed to Modrić have ensured that the debate is only getting louder.
And remarkably, what began as a question about Kane’s two goals in a 7–0 victory has now become another major Ballon d’Or battle between two of football’s biggest stars.
