Harry Kane lets 73-goal season speak for itself in Ballon d’Or race

Harry Kane says the 2025-26 season was the best of his career, but the Bayern Munich striker is leaving the Ballon d’Or decision to the voters.

Kane scored 73 goals for Bayern and England last season, the second-highest single-season total in football history behind Lionel Messi’s 82 in 2011-12. He also won the European Golden Shoe after finishing as the leading scorer across Europe’s major domestic leagues.

Those numbers have put Kane among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, alongside Spain and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé.

Yet Kane, who has never won the award, remains reluctant to campaign for himself.

“I’ve never liked talking too much about myself,” Kane told Spanish newspaper Marca in an interview published Friday. “The only thing I’d say is that last season was incredible, both personally and for the team. It was, by far, the best season of my life.”

The 73-goal haul was a source of particular pride for Kane, although he acknowledged that individual statistics alone will not decide the award.

“I’m extremely proud of that, but the Ballon d’Or isn’t in my hands. It depends on the people who vote,” he said.

Kane also played a key role for England, helping the team reach the World Cup semifinals, while Bayern enjoyed a strong campaign domestically and in Europe.

No English player has won the men’s Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001, adding another layer of significance to Kane’s candidacy.

But rather than dwell on the award, Kane said he has already moved on from last season and is focused on what comes next.

“As far as I’m concerned, last season is in the past,” he said. “Now I’m focused on this one and I’m looking forward to seeing what else I can achieve.”

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 26 in London, Kane’s hometown. That has added an intriguing twist for the Bayern striker, who spent much of his career at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Germany.

Kane stopped short of saying the London setting was a sign he would win, but admitted the location could make the occasion especially meaningful.

“Perhaps it is a good omen,” Kane said. “Of course, having it take place in my hometown would make it even more special. So yes, it feels strange that the ceremony is being held there this year.”

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