Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane hopes for a 'special evening' during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which will take place on Monday in his hometown of London. He is favored by bookmakers.
The 33-year-old player has scored 73 goals for the club and the national team, which is the second-best record in history after Leo Messi's 82 goals in the 2010/11 season. On Wednesday, continuing his habit of causing trouble for former Arsenal rivals, the former Tottenham forward once again demonstrated how complete a player he has become since moving to Germany in 2023.
At one point, Kane dropped back to take a corner and launch a Bayern attack, and also delivered an accurate long pass that helped Alphonso Davies score in the first half. In the second half, Kane won and converted a penalty, giving Bayern the lead before teammate Declan Rice scored late, securing a draw for the team.
Kane is considered a strong contender for his first Ballon d'Or, although the outcome is not guaranteed given the large number of strong candidates. The Bayern striker faces serious competition from the Spanish duo who won the World Cup, Lamine Yamal and Rodri, as well as French captain Kylian Mbappé and teammate Michael Olise.
While Yamal and Mbappé, in particular, actively speak about their suitability for the award, Kane has maintained typical restraint despite constant questioning from the media. When repeatedly asked about his chances after his brilliant performance on Wednesday, Kane replied: 'I try not to think about it, obviously it's difficult. There are rumors, so I try to stay away from them. I will try to enjoy Monday as much as possible. It is a big event and a major occasion.'
Officially, the Ballon d'Or is awarded based on three main criteria: individual play and impressive character, team results, and class and sportsmanship. In recent years, winners have either won the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup, or proven their worth with a huge number of goals—and Kane clearly meets the latter criterion.
After long criticism for his inability to win team trophies at Tottenham, Kane increased his tally to five trophies with Bayern after a double victory last year in the league and cup, but the dominance of Bavarian giants in Germany could work against him. Kane's Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals but lost to future champions Paris Saint-Germain. England finished third in the World Cup, where captain Kane scored six goals and provided one assist.
After the goal against Arsenal, Kane scored at least one goal in each of his last 10 Champions League matches, trailing Cristiano Ronaldo's record by 11 goals. Kane noted: 'When you enter any conversation with Ronaldo, it means you are doing something special, especially in this tournament.'
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany highly praised Kane's team efforts, stating: 'What made Harry happiest in recent years was that he finally won his first team trophies here. Now, if he can crown his career or season with the Ballon d'Or, it will be deserved for how he plays for the team.'
Declan Rice of Arsenal scored late, securing a draw for the visitors, but he reserved special praise for his international captain after the match. He stated: 'Harry is a clear winner (of the Ballon d'Or). His numbers speak for themselves. The year he has had is wonderful. What a pass to set up the first goal, and then converting the penalty like he did... he is incredible, he is such a good player.'
Former Three Lions midfielder Steven Gerrard joined Jude Bellingham on Wednesday, calling Kane 'possibly the best English player ever' after Kane's masterclass against Arsenal. Michael Owen was the last English Ballon d'Or winner, in 2001, while the last Bayern player to receive the award was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Kane said on Wednesday: 'Monday could be a special night, we will have to wait and see. I try not to think about it too much because we have important games, and another one on Sunday. I know it is a huge event. I am definitely looking forward to it. I hope it will be a special night.'