GERMANY: Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is hoping for a “special night” at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in his hometown of London, where the England captain is the bookies’ favourite.
The 33-year-old scored 73 goals for club and country, the second-best mark in history after Leo Messi’s 82 in 2010-11.
But in continuing his habit of tormenting old foes Arsenal on Wednesday, the former Tottenham striker again demonstrated how complete a player he had become since moving to Germany in 2023.
At one point dropping back to take goal kicks to ignite Bayern’s attack, Kane also set up Alphonso Davies’s first-half equaliser with a pinpoint long-range pass.
In the second-half, Kane won and then converted a penalty, giving Bayern the lead before England teammate Declan Rice scored late to grab a share of the spoils.
Kane is odds-on to claim what would be a first Ballon d’Or, but the outcome is anything but certain in one of the most open fields in recent memory.
The Bayern striker faces stiff competition from Spanish World Cup-winning duo Lamine Yamal and Rodri, along with France captain Kylian Mbappe and teammate Michael Olise.
While Yamal and Mbappe in particular have taken to the airways to extol their suitability for the award, Kane has been typically circumspect despite constant media questioning.
Repeatedly asked about his chances after Wednesday’s star showing, Kane said: “I try not to think about it, obviously it’s hard.
“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.”
Officially, there are three broad criteria upon which the Ballon d’Or is awarded: individual performances and impressive character, team performances and class/fairplay.
In recent years, recipients have either won the Champions League and/or World Cup, or have made their case through sheer weight of numbers – with Kane clearly satisfying the latter criteria.
Long criticised for a failure to win team trophies at Tottenham, Kane brought his total to five with Bayern after last year’s league and cup double, but the Bavarian giants’ dominance of Germany may count against him.
Kane’s Bayern made the semi-finals of the Champions League, going out narrowly to eventual champions Paris St Germain.
England finished third at the World Cup, with captain Kane scoring six times and laying on an assist. After scoring against Arsenal, Kane has at least one goal in each of his past 10 Champions League matches, 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. — AFP
