Why is Benjamin Asare trending over Ballon d’Or?

Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has been trending on social media following Harry Kane’s emergence as the winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Asare congratulated the English striker on winning the prestigious award in a post on X on October 27, 2026.

In the post, the Accra Hearts of Oak shot-stopper shared a picture of himself and Kane kneeling on the pitch after Ghana’s goalless draw against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kane ends England's 25-year Ballon d'Or wait

Asare praised the Bayern Munich striker for achieving the remarkable feat, describing the award as well-deserved.

Kane became the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001 after being crowned the world’s best player at a ceremony in London.

However, Asare’s choice of picture sparked reactions from social media users, some of whom were amused by the image showing Kane kneeling on the pitch in front of the Ghanaian goalkeeper.

The picture was reportedly taken during Ghana’s goalless draw against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Asare made crucial saves to deny the English striker.

The post also triggered playful criticism of France Football, with some football fans joking that Kane did not deserve the award because he failed to score against Asare at the World Cup.

Others suggested that Asare was using the opportunity to take a swipe at the English striker, while some praised him for keeping Kane at bay during their World Cup encounter.

Read the reactions below:

@BenAsare16_ @HKane The only Keeper that stopped the best player in the world🔥🔥🔥🔥
Benjamin Cleansheet Asare🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Nkay🐺🇬🇭 (@Bennett_Nkay) October 27, 2026

It’s simple to say that if Harry Kane deserved the Ballon D’or then Benjamin Asare should be given the best goalkeeper award 🥇 https://t.co/MI4x3Jkxbu
— Molly (@Molly_AFC) October 27, 2026

Yet still Harry Kane for know say ein master be Benjamin Asare 😂😂😂

#BallonDor #kss #football https://t.co/yTrNaPqWZd
— tonybrief (@BiggTony4zxo) October 27, 2026

@BenAsare16_ @HKane The ballon dor winner couldn't score Benjamin Asare. SM deserves the Yashine trophy 🏆 😅
— Snr Ranzy (@RANSFORDAMPOFO2) October 27, 2026

Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane couldn’t score against Ghana at the World Cup… 😂

Benjamin Asare had him on his knees. 😭 https://t.co/QdyaLYY7oh
— Penty Dzidzor (@penty_dzidzor) October 27, 2026

Make I go kneel infront of Benjamin Asare , maybe ego fit push me close to Elon Musk oo 🤣 https://t.co/Zq3QLTvruD
— Promado X (@Promado_1) October 27, 2026

So FIFA allowed you guys to fight over Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal for weeks only for Harry Kane who couldn't score a goal against Benjamin Asare to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or😂😂😂🤣
— Ohema Yaa Black 🇬🇭 (@Ohemaayaablack) October 27, 2026

Benjamin Asare Dey tear me. Of all the pictures of Harry Kane, this be the one he shared? 😂
— WithAlvin 🇬🇭 (@withAlvin__) October 27, 2026

In case you missed it, Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane managed just one shot on target against Benjamin Asare.
— Akyin (@joseakyin7) October 26, 2026

@WorshipFrimpong A win for Harry Kane is a win for Benjamin Asare....we dey together ...
Mind you Benjamin is just one of two keepers in the world cup, Harry Kane failed to score against in the world cup....he has Kane's respect.
— KwakyeBankye (@kwaabota101) October 27, 2026