Harry Kane has set his sights on the Ballon d’Or, saying he believes he could be among the frontrunners if he leads England to World Cup success this summer.
The England captain arrives at the tournament in outstanding form after another prolific season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals in all competitions and finishing the campaign with a DFB-Pokal final hat-trick as Vincent Kompany’s side secured a domestic double.
England’s squad under Thomas Tuchel have begun gathering in Florida for their pre-tournament training camp, with Kane key to their hopes of ending the nation’s long wait for a major trophy.
Kane reflects on Ballon d’Or chances
Kane acknowledged that England lifting the World Cup would significantly strengthen his case for football’s most prestigious individual award, but insisted personal accolades are not his focus.
“The Ballon d’Or if we win the World Cup? I would certainly be among the favourites,” he said in an interview with L’Equipe.
“Considering the trophies I’ve won this season and the number of goals I’ve scored, I would be in the running.
“Especially since, if England win the World Cup, we could imagine the trophy going to an English player.
“But at the same time, I’m not the kind of person who claims to deserve a Ballon d’Or. I try to let my performances on the pitch speak for themselves.”
Kane also referenced Bayern team-mate Michael Olise among those he believes will be in the wider conversation for the award depending on how the tournament unfolds.
England confident under Tuchel
England travel to the tournament with renewed expectations under Tuchel, who has been tasked with guiding the side to their first major trophy since 1966.
Kane has previously worked under Tuchel at club level and spoke positively about the influence the German coach has had on his game and the squad’s direction.
“At Bayern, I loved his personality, his ideas for the team, and the way he got me playing. In a way, he brought those methods to the national team,” he said.
England’s long road to silverware
England have come close in recent tournaments, reaching the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, alongside a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and quarter-final in 2022.
Kane says that record shows progress, but also highlights the challenge ahead as a new cycle begins with a refreshed squad and coaching setup.
“The ambition is to win it [the World Cup], obviously, that has to be our goal,” he said.
“We know it will be difficult, but we have been close in recent years to winning a major tournament.
“This year, we will have a new coach, new players. It is exciting — even if this kind of competition generates a lot of pressure.”