German legends pick Ballon d'Or winner: Kahn, Ballack, Schweinsteiger choose Kane; Low picks Mbappé

Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack, Felix Magath, and other German football legends have each selected their top three Ballon d'Or candidates. Among them, Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kramer, and Lothar Matthäus all ranked Kane first, while Joachim Low's top pick was Mbappé, and Felix Magath chose Cucurella as his primary choice.

Oliver Kahn

First Place: Kane (Bayern Munich)

Oliver Kahn stated: "He not only scores crucial goals but also leads the team. Therefore, he deserves this trophy."

Second Place: Yamal (Barcelona)

Oliver Kahn stated: "He is an excellent player who has won championships at a young age. However, he hasn't fully demonstrated his influence at the World Cup."

Third Place: Mbappé (Real Madrid)

Oliver Kahn stated: "He is a star who consistently scores in various competitions, which speaks to his ability. However, the Frenchman did not win any trophies last season."

Michael Ballack

First Place: Kane

Michael Ballack stated: "His performance has been the most outstanding, and his goal-scoring efficiency is incredible, both at Bayern and with England. In my heart, no player ranks above him."

Second Place: Yamal

Michael Ballack stated: "Fans are willing to go to the stadium just to watch players like him. His style of play showcases the beauty of football and creates spectacular moments. However, he only found top form after the World Cup."

Third Place: Olise (Bayern Munich)

Michael Ballack stated: "He had an excellent season and made great progress at Bayern. He brings something unique to the field and can decide matches with his individual ability."

Felix Magath

First Place: Cucurella (Real Madrid)

Felix Magath stated: "As a left-back, he is world-class, always appearing where the team needs him, with excellent running ability and rarely losing one-on-one duels. He defends his flank and actively participates in attacks. He played a vital role in Spain winning the European Championship."

Second Place: Rodri (Manchester City)

Felix Magath stated: "He is the core of Spain's midfield, controlling the tempo. At the World Cup, he was deservedly named the best player of the tournament."

Third Place: Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)

Felix Magath stated: "He is the third Spanish European Championship winner on my list of top candidates. He is an excellent partner to Rodri and has made significant contributions to the team's balance and stability. Additionally, he won the Champions League with Paris."

Bastian Schweinsteiger

First Place: Kane

Bastian Schweinsteiger stated: "Considering his performance across the World Cup, Champions League, league, and cup competitions, he is the most outstanding goal-scoring machine."

Second Place: Yamal

Bastian Schweinsteiger stated: "He is the future of world football and has already won the European Championship and the World Cup. Furthermore, he had an excellent season with Barcelona."

Third Place: Messi (Inter Miami CF)

Bastian Schweinsteiger stated: "He once again led Argentina to the World Cup final. To achieve this at his age is absolutely deserving of respect."

Christoph Kramer

First Place: Kane

Christoph Kramer stated: "He absolutely deserves this trophy. In my opinion, he is the most valuable player for any team. But I'm quite sure he won't be the one to win it..."

Second Place: Yamal

Christoph Kramer stated: "At such a young age, he can already display incredible magic on the field. I think he will win. Another reason is that after Rodri, another midfielder with a simple playing style won't win this award so quickly."

Third Place: Messi

Christoph Kramer stated: "At his last World Cup, he once again demonstrated top-class ability. This was a fitting national team farewell worthy of his status."

Joachim Low

Top three candidates in order: Mbappé, Yamal, Olise

Joachim Low stated: "Kane is an incredible scorer, consistently delivering 30 goals each season. His playing style is pragmatic, and his finishing efficiency is very high. However, the Ballon d'Or award favors players with flair and magic. In this regard, I would place Mbappé ahead of Yamal and Olise, even though he didn't win any trophies with France or Real Madrid last season."

Lothar Matthäus

First Place: Kane

Lothar Matthäus stated: "Because his abilities are very comprehensive. He is not only an excellent scorer but also creates opportunities for his teammates. He participates in offensive organization, covers a large area, and can be seen almost everywhere on the field. Additionally, he reached the Champions League semi-finals with Bayern and the World Cup semi-finals with England, ultimately finishing third in the tournament."

Second Place: Olise

Lothar Matthäus stated: "His technique and performance are outstanding; he can score spectacular goals and create excellent chances for teammates. For the French national team, he primarily plays as a playmaker in midfield. Watching him play excites every football lover. He also reached the Champions League and World Cup semi-finals."

Third Place: Fabián Ruiz

Lothar Matthäus stated: "As a midfielder, he doesn't receive as much attention as goal-scorers. But his style of play enables attackers to create brilliant offensive plays. Moreover, as a key player for Paris and the Spanish national team, Ruiz has won the Champions League and the World Cup. Notably, among the 30 nominees, he is the only one who has won both trophies."