Harry Kane\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or triumph produced some fascinating reactions from the other nominees. Body language expert Inbaal Honigman has now analysed the responses of Kane, Kylian Mbapp\u00e9, Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 when the Bayern Munich striker was announced as the winner.<\/p>\n
Starting with Kane himself, Honigman interpreted his initial reaction as genuine shock before his hands moved into a prayer position, suggesting gratitude.<\/p>\n
\u201cHarry Kane\u2019s initial response is genuine shock. He glances downwards, eyebrows raised questioningly. His hands fly to his face, cupping his mouth and nose in an emergency protective cover\u2014the cupped hands allowing him to breathe easily, as if he\u2019s planning to keep this protective cover over his face for a while. Within a couple of seconds, Kane flashes his eyes upwards, beseeching himself to make a move rather than stay sat down. The winner stands, his hands still covering his face, as they turn into a prayer position, which indicates gratitude,\u201d Honigman told Hard Rock Bet<\/a>.<\/p>\n Honigman was less convincedby Mbapp\u00e9\u2018s reaction, describing his congratulations as somewhat cold.<\/p>\n \u201cKylian Mbapp\u00e9\u2018s greeting is a little cold. His hand, tapping Harry Kane\u2019s back, remains flat and tense, and his eyes are lowered. Mbapp\u00e9 is not really sharing in Kane\u2019s joy,\u201d said Honigman.<\/p>\n Olise, meanwhile, appeared genuinely delighted for his Bayern Munich teammate, with Honigman highlighting the warmth and authenticity of their interaction.<\/p>\n \u201cMichael Olise is truly happy for Kane. He smiles a small, genuine smile for him, cheeks raised and eyes open. The hug that the two share is equal and warm, as they lean towards each other in a similar way,\u201d Honigman stated.<\/p>\n Demb\u00e9l\u00e9 also appeared happy for Kane, with Honigman interpreting his gesture as one of genuine warmthand support.<\/p>\n \u201cDemb\u00e9l\u00e9 is happy for Kane, rubbing his back with his open palm in a warm and soothing way,\u201d Honigman remarked.<\/p>\n And then there was Yamal, whose reaction attracted perhaps the most attention. Honigman suggested that his expression went beyond ordinary disappointment.<\/p>\n \u201cLamine Yamal\u2019s facial expression starts with disappointment, eyes lowered, pensive. But as the seconds tick on, and his neutral face remains uninterrupted by any other expression or facial cue, it becomes apparent that Yamal is actually frozen with shock and devastation. If it were just a momentary dropped, neutral face, this could suggest that he\u2019s lost in thought. However, the length of this expression indicates a more complex emotional reaction, one that cannot be brushed off quickly,\u201d said Honigman.<\/p>\n Quite the collection of reactions to Kane\u2019s achievement! Olise\u2019s warm embrace of his teammate certainly stands out, while Yamal\u2019s response will likely remain a talking point.<\/p>\n Of course, body language analysis is interpretation, not definitive proof of what someone is thinking or feeling.<\/p>\n