
Harry Kane, the prolific Bayern Munich striker, has been in scintillating form since his move to Germany, but the England international is aiming higher, targeting the prestigious Ballon d’Or. After years of demonstrating his world-class skills and breaking records, Kane has revealed his ambition to win football’s most coveted individual honor. In a candid interview, he expressed his belief that he is a credible candidate for the award in 2025, despite a career lacking in major team trophies.
Kane’s Journey: From England to Bayern Munich
Harry Kane’s path to becoming one of the world’s top strikers has been paved with determination and relentless performances on the field. Kane’s name is synonymous with goal-scoring, having become the all-time leading scorer for both Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. Over the years, his knack for finding the back of the net has made him one of the most feared forwards in Europe.
However, despite his individual brilliance, Kane has endured a career without the team silverware that many of his contemporaries have secured. His time at Tottenham Hotspur was marked by near-misses, with the Englishman finishing as a runner-up in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League on multiple occasions. He also fell short in both the 2020 and 2024 UEFA European Championships with England, further adding to his frustration of coming close, but never quite clinching the ultimate prize.
That all changed when Kane made the monumental decision to leave his homeland and join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. The move to the Bundesliga giant came after years of speculation surrounding his future and offered Kane a fresh challenge. His arrival at Bayern marked a significant turning point in his career, not only because of the level of competition but also due to the club’s expectations of winning major trophies every season.
While Kane’s debut season at Bayern Munich ended in the club’s first trophy-less campaign in over a decade, the striker’s individual performances were nothing short of outstanding. Kane scored an impressive 44 goals in 45 matches during the 2023/2024 season, showcasing his ability to adapt to a new environment and continue his prolific run. His goal-scoring feats were so remarkable that he shared the prestigious Gerd Muller Trophy with Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
A Long-Held Dream: Kane’s Ballon d’Or Aspiration

The Ballon d’Or is the pinnacle of individual football achievement, awarded annually to the world’s best player. For Harry Kane, it has always been a dream to win the award, but it is a dream that has been tempered by the reality of playing in the same era as two of the greatest players to ever play the game—Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. These two footballing giants have dominated the Ballon d’Or for over a decade, leaving little room for others to break through.
Kane, however, remains undeterred by the monumental challenge posed by Messi and Ronaldo’s reign at the top. In a recent exclusive interview with L’Equipe, Kane admitted that winning the Ballon d’Or has been a long-held ambition of his. Despite acknowledging the incredible dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, who have shared the award for most of his career, Kane believes that 2025 could be his time to emerge as the winner.
“This trophy validates my career choice, that of leaving my country for the first time at the age of 30,” Kane said during the interview, referencing his move to Bayern Munich. “And it allowed me to come for the first time to the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet to attend the presentation of all these prestigious awards.” Kane reflected on the significance of attending the ceremony and witnessing the recognition of the best players in the world.
While he humbly acknowledged the accomplishments of the greats like Messi and Ronaldo, Kane was also quick to state that his performances over the past year, particularly his incredible goal-scoring feats with Bayern Munich, made him a credible candidate for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. “Of course, I’m thinking about it!” Kane declared, smiling. “And, why not say it, I believe in it. I feel like my performances make me a credible candidate.”
A Focus on Individual and Collective Success
Kane’s belief in his Ballon d’Or chances is not just based on individual brilliance, but also on the potential for collective success. Football, as much as it is an individual sport, thrives on team achievements, and Kane is aware that winning major trophies with Bayern Munich and England could propel him to greater heights.
“With my individual performances and a major collective victory like the Champions League, why couldn’t I believe in my chances?” Kane asked rhetorically. His confidence in his ability to win the Ballon d’Or is linked to Bayern’s prospects of winning silverware in the coming seasons. Although Bayern’s 2023/2024 season ended without a trophy, the club remains one of Europe’s powerhouses, consistently competing for top honors in both domestic and international competitions. If Kane can help lead Bayern to a Champions League victory, it would undoubtedly strengthen his case for the prestigious award.
In addition to Bayern’s domestic and continental ambitions, Kane’s involvement in the England national team continues to add to his credentials. The Three Lions, with Kane at the helm, are strong contenders in international tournaments, including the upcoming UEFA European Championship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A strong showing from England on the world stage could further enhance Kane’s reputation as a top contender for the Ballon d’Or.
Kane’s Reflection: The Importance of Legacy
Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or ambitions are not solely driven by the desire for personal recognition, but also by the importance he places on his legacy. Growing up, Kane dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or, and even more so in the era dominated by Messi and Ronaldo, who have raised the profile of the award to unprecedented levels.
The 30-year-old striker has witnessed the dominance of Messi and Ronaldo firsthand, which has made the Ballon d’Or even more of a distant dream for him. Despite their remarkable records and achievements, Kane has stayed focused on his own journey and development, aiming to achieve greatness on his terms. “I have dreamed of the Ballon d’Or since I was little,” he reflected. “And even more so with the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo period which has given an even greater shine to this generation.”
Kane has a special connection to the Ballon d’Or beyond his personal ambitions, as he is trying to emulate the achievement of Michael Owen, the last English player to win the award in 2001. Owen’s success remains a point of pride for English football, and Kane would love to add his name to that illustrious list.
The upcoming year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Kane, as he looks to cement his place among the world’s best players. With his growing belief, continued performances at the top level, and the potential for silverware with Bayern Munich and England, Kane could well be a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or in 2025. “Who knows if in 2025 we will not see each other again for another interview?” Kane concluded with a chuckle, clearly aware of the significance of what lies ahead.
Conclusion: The Ballon d’Or Dream Lives On
For Harry Kane, the dream of winning the Ballon d’Or is far from over. He has proven himself to be one of the world’s finest strikers, with a remarkable goal-scoring record and the potential to lead his teams to major victories. While the challenges of competing against football’s greatest talents remain, Kane’s belief in himself and his abilities is unshakable.
With the right combination of individual brilliance and team success, Harry Kane could very well achieve his long-held dream and add the Ballon d’Or to his collection of achievements. Football fans around the world will be eagerly watching as Kane continues his journey towards the ultimate individual accolade in football.