Matthäus elevates Kane to Beckenbauer – big praise ahead of Ballon d’Or

In the elegant hall of the Franz‑Beckenbauer Foundation, surrounded by about one hundred guests, Lothar Matthäus speaks about Alex Harry Kane, just hours before the decision on the Ballon d’Or. He praises the English striker for his playing superiority and human modesty, while the jury will announce the result next Monday.

Matthäus praises Kane

Matthäus said: “He is absolutely outstanding on the pitch, but also down‑to‑earth and always respectful in his dealings with other people. Because of his performances and also as a personality, Kane would have deserved the Ballon d’Or.”

The 65‑year‑old former Bayern star and record national player thus emphasized his high praise for the English striker. His words came only a few hours before the official award ceremony.

Especially noteworthy is the comparison with a German football icon: “He reminds me in a certain way of Franz Beckenbauer,” Matthäus said during the Charity Talk & Dinner of the Franz‑Beckenbauer Foundation.

Beckenbauer comparison and Ballon d’Or decision

Franz Beckenbauer, who died at the age of 78, won his second Ballon d’Or exactly fifty years ago and shaped the game both on and off the pitch.

According to reports, the Franz‑Beckenbauer Foundation has already passed on more than €23 million to aid projects. It is run by Heidi Beckenbauer and her son Joel and invited about one hundred guests, including Matthäus and former DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach.

The final decision on the Ballon d’Or will be made next Monday. Besides Kane, Kylian Mbappé and the young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal are also considered favorites.

Some leaks already suggest that Yamal could be treated as the winner, but a bit more patience will be needed until the result is confirmed.

Matthäus' praise and the comparison with Beckenbauer underline the extraordinary position that Kane currently occupies in international football.