Harry Kane is hoping for a “special night” when the Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place in London on Monday, with the Bayern Munich forward installed as the bookmakers’ leading candidate for football’s top individual prize.
Kane’s extraordinary season
The England captain, 33, struck 73 times for club and country last term, a total surpassed only by Lionel Messi’s 82-goal campaign in 2010-11.
He underlined the variety of his game again against former club Arsenal on Wednesday. Kane moved into deeper areas to take goal kicks and produced a precise long delivery for Alphonso Davies to score Bayern’s first-half equaliser. In the second period, he earned a penalty and converted it himself to give Bayern the lead, before fellow England international Declan Rice scored a late leveller.
- Kane has found the net in 10 consecutive Champions League appearances.
- That places him one match short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s competition record of 11 in a row.
- “Whenever you’re in any conversation with Ronaldo, it shows you are doing something special, particularly in this tournament,” Kane said.
Ballon d’Or focus and backing
While questions about the award have continued, Kane has sought to keep his attention on the occasion rather than predictions.
“I try not to dwell on it, although obviously that is difficult,” he said. “There are rumours everywhere, so you try to avoid them. I will just look to enjoy Monday evening as much as I can.”
Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany believes Kane’s success with the German club strengthens his claim. Kompany said the forward had been especially pleased to finally win major team honours after joining Bayern.
“What has brought Harry the greatest happiness in the past few years is finally winning his first team trophies here,” Kompany said. “If he can top his career or his season by winning the Ballon d’Or, it would be deserved because of the way he plays for the side.”
- Rice described Kane as the standout contender, saying: “Harry is the clear winner. His numbers speak for themselves. The year he had is remarkable.”
- Former England midfielder Steven Gerrard and Jude Bellingham have both labelled Kane “arguably the best England player there’s been”.
A tightly contested race
Despite his strong credentials, Kane is not assured of victory in what is regarded as one of the most competitive Ballon d’Or races for many years. Spain’s World Cup-winning pair Lamine Yamal and Rodri, France skipper Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise are also among the leading contenders.
The award takes into account a player’s individual displays and character, along with team achievement and fair play. In recent years, winners have generally lifted the Champions League or World Cup, or produced overwhelming statistical returns — an area in which Kane has a powerful argument.
Kane has collected five trophies at Bayern, although the club’s sustained domestic supremacy could work against his case. Bayern were narrowly beaten by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. England ended the World Cup in third place, with Kane scoring six goals and registering one assist.
- Michael Owen, in 2001, remains the most recent English winner of the Ballon d’Or.
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was the last Bayern Munich player to receive the prize, doing so in 1981.
Nigerian reaction favours Kane
Nigerian supporters and analysts have also largely backed Kane’s candidacy, though their support has not been unanimous.
Mohammed Hamzat said the prize should be awarded to “the player who has performed best throughout the season”, highlighting individual displays, output, consistency and influence on his team. Supporter Quadri also selected Kane, citing his scoring record, Bayern’s trophies and his performances for England.
