Felix Magath selects Marc Cucurella for Ballon d'Or

Former Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has shared an unconventional prediction for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. In a selection shared with the newspaper Bild, the 73-year-old former manager named Spanish defender Marc Cucurella as his top choice for the award.

Magath's proposed podium consists entirely of Spanish players: Marc Cucurella in first place, followed by Rodri in second, and Fabián Ruiz in third. Magath praised Cucurella as a world-class left-back who is physically strong, dominant in duels, and played a significant role in Spain's World Cup success.

He described Rodri as the conductor of the Spanish midfield and noted his MVP status during the World Cup. For the third spot, Magath selected Fabián Ruiz, citing his ability to provide balance and stability to the team alongside Rodri, as well as his Champions League victory with Paris Saint-Germain.

Magath's choices contrast with other German football experts like Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who all favored Harry Kane. Other prominent contenders mentioned in the football community include Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Michael Olise.