The Ballon d’Or is considered one of the most prestigious individual awards in world soccer. This year, FC Bayern has good reason to hope that several of its players will finish near the top. Leading the pack is Harry Kane, who is among the candidates.
The English striker can look back on an outstanding season. For the German record champions alone, Kane scored 61 goals across all competitions, making him one of the top scorers in European soccer.
One potential drawback in the race for the Ballon d’Or: Kane failed to achieve a major international triumph, neither with Bayern in the Champions League nor with England at the World Cup. These titles, in particular, have often played a key role in the voting in the past.
The Bayern star faces competition from Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, among others. Michael Olise, too, can hope for a strong finish after his impressive season.
Nominations will be announced on September 8
The candidates will have to be patient until the final decision is made. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 26 in London.
However, the first major decision will be made much earlier. France Football has announced that the nominees for the various categories will be released on September 8.
From Bayern’s perspective, attention is likely to be focused in particular on the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or. Given their performances, it would be a surprise if Kane and Olise weren’t among them.
Kane posted impressive stats throughout the entire season. Meanwhile, Olise has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s best offensive players and also made a name for himself at the World Cup.
With Luis Díaz, there’s also another Munich player who, after a strong season, should at least have a chance of being considered among the nominees.
Kane Has a Strong Chance at the Ballon d’Or
The vote will be particularly exciting from Kane’s perspective. Despite his numerous individual awards, the Englishman is still waiting to win the Ballon d’Or. His 61 goals for Bayern provide a strong case this time around.
The question will be how much weight the voters place on his lack of international titles. Other candidates can point to greater successes in this regard.
Nevertheless, the chances for a Bayern player to win the Ballon d’Or haven’t looked this promising in quite some time. In addition to Kane, Olise has become the second Munich player to make it into the expanded circle of contenders.
A Kane victory would be particularly special given the venue. Should the Bayern striker actually win, he could accept the Ballon d’Or on October 26 in his native England, of all places.
For now, however, all eyes are on September 8. That’s when it will be determined which Bayern stars will officially be in the running for the most coveted individual award in world soccer.