Harry Kane is hoping for a “special night” in London on Monday when the Bayern Munich striker attends the Ballon d’Or ceremony in his hometown as the bookmakers’ favourite.
The England captain scored 73 goals for club and country last season, the second-highest total in history behind Lionel Messi’s 82 in 2010-11. Kane is seeking the first Ballon d’Or of his career in one of the award’s most open contests.
He faces competition from Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Rodri, France captain Kylian Mbappe and Bayern team-mate Michael Olise. Kane has remained cautious when asked about his prospects, despite his outstanding campaign and Bayern’s domestic double last season.
Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or hopes
“I try not to think about it. Obviously, it’s hard,” Kane said after scoring against Arsenal on Wednesday.
“There’s rumours flying around, so you try and stay away from it. I’m going to try and enjoy Monday night as much as possible. It’s a big occasion and a big event.”
Kane had a decisive role in Bayern’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal. He supplied a precise long-range pass for Alphonso Davies to equalise, then won and converted a second-half penalty to put the German side ahead before Declan Rice’s late goal secured a share of the points for Arsenal.
The performance continued a run of form that has seen Kane score in each of his past 10 Champions League matches, leaving him one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 11.
“Whenever you’re in any conversation with Ronaldo it means you’re doing something special, especially in this competition,” Kane said.
England finished third at the World Cup, with Kane scoring six times and providing an assist. Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
His five team trophies include last season’s league and cup double, following years of criticism over his lack of silverware at Tottenham. Bayern’s dominance in Germany, however, may count against him in the voting.
Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s coach, said Kane’s greatest satisfaction in recent years had come from finally winning trophies with a team.
“Now if he can crown his career or his season with the Ballon d’Or, that would be deserved for the way he plays for the team,” Kompany said.
Rice was even more emphatic after facing his England captain, saying: “Harry is the clear winner [of the Ballon d’Or]. His numbers speak for themselves. The year he had is remarkable.”
“For a striker to play that pass for their first goal, then take the penalty how he did, … he’s ridiculous. He’s such a good player.”
Michael Owen was the last England player to win the award, in 2001, while Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was the last Bayern player to claim it, in 1981.
“Monday could be a special night. We’ll have to wait and see,” Kane said. “I’m trying not to think about it too much because we have important games and another one on Sunday.
“I know it’s a massive event. I am looking forward to it for sure. Hopefully, it’ll be a special night.”
