Harry Kane has a serious chance to become the first English player to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old bagsman would also become just the fourth Bayern Munich player to win the award after Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Ballon d’Or talk is divisive and distracting — even more so if you are the one at the centre of the conversation. But professional as ever, Kane is fully focused on the present.
In an interview with Spanish football magazine,
Marca, the England national team captain expressed his gratitude for everyone who made his nomination possible, but conceded that the outcome is out of his hands.
“It’s complicated,” Kane began to explain (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I’ve never liked talking too much about myself. The only thing I would say is that last season was incredible, both personally and as a team. By far, it was the best season of my life. It’s true that scoring 73 goals, the second-highest tally in history, speaks for itself. I’m extremely proud of it. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped make it possible. But the Ballon d’Or isn’t in my hands. It depends on the people who vote. From my point of view, last season is already in the past. I’m now focused on this season and excited to see what more I can do. I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d’Or until October, because it’s a major award”
The 2026 Ballon d’Or will be awarded in London for the very first time, Kane’s hometown.
When asked whether the location holds any significance, Kane acknowledged how “special” it would be to win the award in London.
“Yes, a lot of people have mentioned it to me, and perhaps it’s a good omen,” said Kane. “Of course, having it take place in my hometown would make it even more special. So yes, it’s a strange feeling knowing it’s being held there this year. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
The Bayern striker will face stiff competition for the title of the worlds best footballer. Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé, and Kylian Mbappé are all prime candidates, but perhaps the power of London will be enough earn Kane his first Ballon d’Or title.
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