Who will win the Ballon d’Or this year? Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has a clear answer and makes no secret of who he’s rooting for. The Belgian would most like to see the prestigious award go to Harry Kane or Michael Olise.
With Dayot Upamecano, Luis Diaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise, four FC Bayern players have made it onto the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. After the 5-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt, Vincent Kompany made it clear who he sees as the frontrunners in the race for the award.
“I wish my players success. That’s why I’m doing what every other coach does: I’m completely biased and say, ‘As long as Harry Kane or Michael Olise win, I’m happy,’” Kompany explained.
Both Bayern stars played a major role in the record champions’ outstanding season last year. The Munich team scored 182 goals across all competitions and won numerous matches. For Kompany, this record is a key argument in his players’ favor.
“These guys were part of a team that scored 182 goals and won so many games last season. I don’t know if there’s ever been a team in the history of the top five leagues that scored more goals per game,” emphasized the Bayern coach.
At the same time, Kompany knows that success in the Champions League could also play an important role in the World Player of the Year voting. Last season, Bayern were eliminated in the semifinals by Paris Saint-Germain, who went on to win the title.
“You can only debate whether the Ballon d’Or depends on the Champions League or not. We didn’t win the Champions League,” Kompany admitted.
Does the Champions League determine the Ballon d’Or?
Nevertheless, the Belgian feels that his team’s performances—and those of Kane and Olise in particular—have not been sufficiently recognized. “But if you look at the 182 goals—3.5 goals per game—that was down to these guys,” he explained.
Kompany doesn’t just highlight their offensive output. Kane and Olise also contributed defensively and played a key role in the team’s success in other areas as well.
“They also defended, won tackles in the penalty area, and created chances from midfield,” said the Bayern coach.
(function(){
var iframe=document.getElementById(‚polls-fcbinside‘);
if(!iframe)return;
window.addEventListener(‚message‘,function(e){
if(e.source!==iframe.contentWindow)return;
var d=e.data||{};
if(d.type===’FOOTY_WIDGET_HEIGHT’&&typeof d.height===’number‘){iframe.style.height=d.height+’px‘;}
});
})();
In the end, according to Kompany, winning the Champions League could be the deciding factor for the Ballon d’Or: “Maybe it all goes to the Champions League winner—that’s just the way it is. But aside from that, there are teams that have achieved something special that no one has ever done before.”
For Kompany, one thing is certain: Kane and Olise have played their part in an extraordinary Bayern season and have thus made a strong case for the Ballon d’Or.