After an outstanding season, Harry Kane is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or. The FC Bayern striker scored 73 goals and can look back on the most successful year of his career so far. Ahead of the awards ceremony on October 26 in London, the 33-year-old is now speaking at length about his chances.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, Kane was asked about his 73 goals in 65 games. However, the Englishman does not want to use this as a platform to promote his own candidacy for the prestigious award. “It’s complicated. I’ve never liked talking too much about myself. The only thing I’d say is that last season was incredible, both personally and as a team.”
Even though the Englishman says he had the best season of his life, that’s no guarantee: “It’s true that 73 goals—the second-highest total in history—speak for themselves. I’m extremely proud of that. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped make this possible. But the Ballon d’Or isn’t in my hands. It depends on the people who vote. From my perspective, last season is already in the past. I’m focusing on this season now and am excited to see what else I can achieve. I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d’Or until October, because it’s a prestigious award.”
Kane is holding back on self-promotion
While other candidates have recently made their ambitions clear, Kane remains true to his approach. The Bayern star points to his performances but wants to leave the decision up to the voters.
It comes as no surprise that Kane is even among the candidates. His 73 goals and successes with FC Bayern have placed him at the center of the discussion surrounding the most prestigious individual award in world soccer.
The Englishman himself, however, seems intent on keeping the topic as far removed as possible from his day-to-day life as an athlete. For him, the past season is already over. His focus is on celebrating further successes with the Munich team in the new season.
There is one particular detail, however, that Kane can’t quite ignore: This year, the Ballon d’Or gala will take place in London for the first time. On October 26, the winner will be honored at the London Palladium.
“Maybe it’s a good omen.”
For the London native, a potential victory in his hometown would be particularly emotional.
“Yes, a lot of people have asked me about it, and maybe it’s a good omen. Of course, it would be something very special if the ceremony were to take place in my hometown. Yes, it’s a strange feeling knowing that it’s happening there this year. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
While Kane avoids issuing a direct challenge to his competitors, he makes no secret of how much the award would mean to him.
The Bayern star will have to be patient until the decision is made. The Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place on October 26. The fact that Kane could be honored in his hometown of all places would put a very special cap on his already extraordinary season.