Harry Kane says 73-goal season makes him a leading Ballon d’Or contender

Harry Kane believes his record-breaking campaign makes him worthy of winning the Ballon d’Or, although the Bayern Munich and England striker accepts the award will ultimately be decided by a vote.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, Kane described last season as the best of his career after scoring 73 goals for club and country.

“It was an amazing season, both personally and collectively,” he said. “Without a doubt, it was the best season of my career. I scored 73 goals, the second-highest total in history, which speaks for itself.”

Kane acknowledged that the final decision was beyond his control, adding: “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands because it depends on voting. I am focused on this season and excited about what I can achieve.”

Lionel Messi holds the record for the most goals in a single season, having scored 82 in 69 appearances during the 2011-12 campaign.

Bayern came close to reaching last season’s Champions League final but were eliminated in the semi-finals by holders Paris Saint-Germain, losing 6-5 on aggregate.

“Last season was brilliant, but it was difficult to accept our narrow defeat by Paris Saint-Germain,” Kane said. “We were very close and had the confidence and quality needed to reach the final, but in the Champions League everything is decided by very small margins.”

Bayern will face Atletico Madrid in the league phase this season, a fixture Kane expects to be demanding.

“I don’t think I have played against them before,” he said. “It will be a difficult match.”

The Champions League final is scheduled to take place at Atletico’s stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, where Kane previously suffered defeat with Tottenham.

“I lost a Champions League final at the Wanda Metropolitano with Tottenham and it was a very difficult moment,” he said. “I hope I can return this time and write a different story.”

Kane was in the Tottenham side beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the 2018-19 Champions League final at the Metropolitano.

The England forward also credited his long-term sports doctor, Alejandro Elorriaga, with helping him maintain his level and cope with an increased number of matches.

“He plays an important role in my success,” Kane said. “We have worked together for six years and he is one of the main reasons I have been able to perform at this level and play so many matches. I am grateful for everything he does for me.”

Kane also spoke warmly about Messi, saying he had watched him develop throughout his career.

“I have great respect for Messi,” he said. “He is an incredible player and an incredible person as well. I have only dealt with him twice, but he seems extremely humble. He has always put the team’s interests before his own, and I think that is one of the reasons for Argentina’s success.”

Kane said he embraced Messi and wished him well after his progression to the World Cup final. Argentina later beat England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, scoring in the 85th and 90+2 minutes to secure their place in the final.

Asked about a possible move to La Liga, Kane said discussions had taken place in the past.

“There were moments when it seemed possible that I might move to Spain,” he said. “Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are among the biggest clubs in the world. Anything is possible in football and I do not rule anything out, but I am very happy in Germany.”