Bayern Munich back Harry Kane to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Bayern Munich officials have stepped up their support for Harry Kane’s bid to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or after the England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances during a hugely successful 2025-26 season.

Kane helped Bayern Munich secure the German league and cup double, while also making a significant contribution to their run in the Champions League. Their campaign ended in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

The striker’s outstanding year continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals as England finished third.

Bayern chief commercial officer Rouven Kasper believes Kane’s statistics make him the obvious candidate for football’s most prestigious individual award.

“It can only be Harry Kane. We can just give it to Harry,” Kasper told Sky Sports.

Kasper said Kane’s numbers left little room for debate, while suggesting the identity of any competing nominees should not influence the decision.

“We think there is no way around him this year. When you just focus on statistics, there cannot be anybody else. It does not matter if somebody from Real Madrid wants their player to be there.”

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has also endorsed Kane’s candidacy, praising the forward’s contribution across the season and highlighting the significance of having a player of his quality at the club.

“I think he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or. He played an outstanding season,” Freund said.

Freund added that Kane’s potential success would be important not only for the player but also for Bayern Munich, although the final outcome remains to be decided.

“It means a lot also for Bayern Munich – when you have one of the best players in the world playing in your team. We will see what’s coming, but in the end it would be a great thing for everybody.”

Kane has previously spoken warmly about the welcome he has received since joining Bayern Munich. The England forward said he valued the relationship he had developed with the club, his team-mates and the supporters, insisting that his contribution was about more than simply scoring goals.

“I feel the love from this club, I know how much they appreciate me. Not just my goals but I think my all-round game and also me as a person in the changing room as well, the whole package,” Kane said.

He also described the response of Bayern’s fans as particularly meaningful and said his intention was to repay their support by continuing to deliver goals and trophies.

“I feel very privileged and also with the fans, the way they have taken to me in these few years has been really special. My aim is to repay them with some goals and some trophies.”

With Bayern Munich’s senior figures firmly behind his campaign, Kane has the opportunity to become the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the Ballon d’Or.