Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says he would “love” to see England team-mate Harry Kane receive this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Rice, 27, was included on the 30-player shortlist for football’s most prestigious individual award for the second consecutive year.
The midfielder has established himself as one of the world’s leading players since joining Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, but he is not considered among the leading contenders to win the prize.
Instead, Rice has put his support behind Bayern Munich striker Kane.
After Arsenal’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Napoli, Rice said: “Second year in a row nominated, I'm very proud.
“You know who I want to win. I'd love to see Harry Kane win. I wish him all the best.”
Kane’s record means he would be a strong candidate for the award, having scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country across all competitions last season.