Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane believes he has done everything possible to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or crown.
The Bayern Munich striker received the award in Munich on Wednesday after finishing as Europe’s top scorer across the major domestic leagues.
Kane also won the prize in the 2023-24 season, but admitted his latest success means even more after a hugely successful campaign.
“This one tasted even better than the first,” Kane said.
The England captain scored 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season as Bayern won both the league and German Cup. His tally was the third-highest in a single Bundesliga season.
Kane also enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, scoring six goals and becoming England’s leading scorer in the competition with 14 goals overall.
Across club and country, he finished the season with an impressive 73 goals.
That record has put Kane firmly into the Ballon d’Or conversation, although the striker knows the final decision is out of his hands.
“Obviously, that’s out of my control. I know, of course, there’s going to be a lot of talk about it from now until October when it’s announced,” he said.
“Ultimately, I’ve done everything I can last season. It was my best season by far. I achieved a lot with the teams I was in.”
Kane helped Bayern reach the Champions League semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
He then helped England reach the World Cup semi-finals before their campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat by Argentina.
The Golden Shoe success also placed Kane in elite company. Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award more times.
Messi claimed it six times during his Barcelona career, while Ronaldo won it four times, three with Real Madrid and once with Manchester United.
Kane, however, refused to predict who will win this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony due to take place in London in late October.
“That’s for you guys to debate and fans to debate,” he said.
“That’s what makes the Ballon d’Or so special as well. Many players have had great seasons.”
While Kane waits to discover whether his remarkable campaign will be rewarded with football’s biggest individual prize, he is also preparing for talks over his future at Bayern.
The striker said earlier this week that negotiations over a new contract are set to begin, with his current
