Pochettino backs Harry Kane for Ballon d’Or despite Lionel Messi nomination

Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, praising the Bayern Munich and England striker for his contribution throughout his football career.

Kane has been nominated for the award alongside Pochettino’s fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, but the United States national team manager said he would choose his former Tottenham Hotspur player if asked to select one winner.

“I hope so. I think he deserves it as a reward for his career and for everything he has given to football,” Pochettino told Sky Sports.

Kane reached the semi-finals of the previous Champions League with Bayern Munich, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain won the first leg 5-4 before the sides drew 1-1 in the return fixture, then went on to claim the trophy by beating Arsenal on penalties.

The England international also went out at the same stage of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 2-1 defeat by Argentina. England finished third after beating France 6-4.

“I don’t know whether he will be punished because of the World Cup or the Champions League, because he played in the semi-finals of both competitions,” Pochettino said.

“Maybe he will be punished, I don’t know, but for me, it is Harry Kane’s time. I think he deserves it.”

Pochettino added that Kane’s overall career should be taken into account when deciding the winner, comparing his case with previous recipients Luka Modric, Fabio Cannavaro and Karim Benzema.

“He deserves it in his career, like Modric, Cannavaro and Benzema,” he said. “If I had to choose one player, it would be Harry Kane.”

The Ballon d’Or is awarded annually to the player judged to have performed best over the relevant period. Although Kane has not reached a Champions League or World Cup final during the campaign described, Pochettino believes his sustained influence and achievements in football make him worthy of recognition.

Kane joined Bayern Munich after his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he played under Pochettino. The Argentine manager’s support places the England captain ahead of Messi in his personal choice, despite Messi also being among the nominees for this year’s prize.