Harry Kane says his Ballon d’Or hopes are now in the hands of the voters after scoring 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season. The England captain told TNT Sports it was the best season of his career, with the 2026 nominees set to be announced soon.
Harry Kane Accepts Ballon d’Or Decision Will Be Made By Voters
Kane said the decision is now beyond his control after being asked about his chances of winning the award. The Bayern forward said he was happy to be in contention after what he called his best season.
He added that he would have to wait for the decision, rather than make a public case for himself.
"I’m extremely proud of the season I put up, for sure. Not that long ago, I was that fan wanting to become a professional footballer, and I am here now, winning awards, and the Ballon d’Or is the same.
“Of course, now it is out of my hands; it is down to the voters and the people who decide it,” Kane told TNT Sports.
The Ballon d’Or is awarded through a vote by selected journalists, making individual form, club achievements, and performances in major matches central to the assessment.
How Kane’s 73 Goals Make's Him A Leading Ballon d’Or Candidate
Kane scored 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England last season, finishing as Europe’s leading scorer, according to BBC Sport. It was the highest-scoring season of his senior career, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous best of 69 goals.
Lionel Messi’s career record remains 82.
| Player | Highest cited single-season goal total |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 82 |
| Harry Kane | 73 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 69 |
Kane’s impact extended beyond finishing. He told BBC Sport that dropping deeper helped him link Bayern’s midfield and attack while creating space for runners ahead, allowing him to combine goalscoring with passing and build-up play without reducing his threat in the box.
"By playing deep when the play develops, I end up coming into a number 10 spot when everyone's dropped," he says.
"I can get shots off from the edge of the box, which is a big strength of mine, or I'm running off the back of players where no one's picking me up - because the midfielder finds it hard to track.
Bayern teammate Luis Díaz has backed Kane for the award, calling him “the best in the world” after his season. Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß has also said the England forward deserves serious consideration.
What A Harry Kane Ballon d’Or Win Would Mean For England And Bayern
Kane would become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen. England’s previous winners are Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen. His main competition is expected to include players such as Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Rodri.
Although none are confirmed contenders until France Football releases its shortlist.
For Bayern, a Kane win would recognise his role in a season that produced the best scoring return of his career. For England, it would end a long wait for a male Ballon d’Or winner and add another milestone to Kane’s international career.
The Ballon d’Or result will determine whether it becomes an individual landmark for the Bayern striker and England captain.
