Harry Kane's impressive performance this season has sparked discussions about his potential to win the Ballon d'Or. Former teammate Paulinho, who played with Kane at Tottenham, believes the English striker
has a chance, although he acknowledges Erling Haaland as a formidable competitor. Kane has netted 23 goals and provided three assists in 17 matches for Bayern Munich, leading Europe's top leagues in both goals and overall goal contributions.
Kane's exceptional form is highlighted by his conversion of 16 out of 27 big chances, with an xG overperformance of 8.2. Despite finishing 13th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting, Paulinho sees potential for improvement. "The way football is today, I think it depends, obviously, on the team's performance as well," Paulinho said. He believes Kane could be a future contender for the prestigious award.
Reflecting on their time together at Tottenham from 2013 to 2015, Paulinho recalls Kane's standout qualities even during his early years. "Harry Kane was always a boy who attracted a lot of attention," he noted. Kane's breakout season in 2014-15 showcased his unique talent and hunger for goals, setting him apart from other young players.
Paulinho also expressed admiration for Manchester City's Erling Haaland, who has scored 19 goals in just 15 club appearances this season. When asked how to stop Haaland, Paulinho humorously suggested placing a lorry or trailer in front of him to prevent scoring. "It's not a comparison," he added, acknowledging both strikers' relentless ambition to score.
Kane's journey from a promising young player to one of the world's top centre-forwards is well-deserved, according to Paulinho. During their two years together at Tottenham, Paulinho witnessed Kane's development firsthand. Today, Kane is recognised as one of the best in world football.
Both Kane and Haaland share an insatiable drive to score goals. This ambition fuels their performances on the field. As Paulinho observed, failing to score in consecutive games can be bothersome for such prolific strikers. Their determination ensures they aim to find the net in every match they play.
As the season progresses, both Kane and Haaland continue to demonstrate their exceptional abilities on the pitch. Their performances not only captivate fans but also contribute significantly to their respective teams' successes. The competition between these two talented forwards adds excitement to the football world.
In summary, Harry Kane's remarkable form positions him as a strong candidate for future accolades like the Ballon d'Or. While Erling Haaland remains a formidable rival, both strikers exemplify excellence in modern football through their consistent goal-scoring prowess and dedication to their craft.
