Harry Kane Ballon d’Or momentum builds as season shines

Harry Kane has not lifted the World Cup, but his extraordinary season has put him firmly in contention to succeed Ousmane Dembélé on the Ballon d’Or leaderboard. The England striker’s 61 goals in 51 games and three trophies with Bayern Munich underscore his credentials.

His performances helped Bayern Munich dominate domestically, culminating in the German Super Cup (Supercoupe d’Allemagne) against Borussia Dortmund. Despite not winning the World Cup (World Cup (Coupe du monde)), he finished third with the Three Lions. "Le trophée ne dépend pas de moi, ce n’est plus entre mes mains. J’ai fait tout ce que je pouvais faire, en termes de performances. Maintenant c’est à la charge des votants et des médias, ce sont des choses que je ne peux pas contrôler," the striker explained on the sidelines.

Ballon d’Or race and ceremony

Kane is now well placed to follow Ousmane Dembél (spelled Dembélé) on the Ballon d’Or roll‑call, with rivals Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Messi also in the conversation. A former Tottenham player remarked, "On verra ce qu’il se passe, poursuit l’ancien joueur de Tottenham. Evidemment, ce serait fou si cela arrivait mais il reste encore deux mois avant la décision. Mais ce n’est pas quelque chose qui occupe plus que cela mon esprit pour le moment." The award ceremony will be held on Monday 26 October in London, celebrating the trophy’s 70th anniversary and honoring Stanley Matthews, marking the first time it will not be staged in Paris.