Harry Kane set for Ballon d’Or ceremony as bookmakers’ favourite after record-breaking season

Harry Kane will attend Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in his hometown of London as the bookmakers’ favourite after scoring 73 goals for club and country.

The Bayern Munich striker, 33, produced the second-highest individual total in history, behind only Lionel Messi’s 82 goals in 2010/11.

Kane strengthened his claim with another influential performance against former club rivals Arsenal on Wednesday. He dropped deep to take goal kicks and help launch Bayern’s attacks, then supplied a precise long pass for Alphonso Davies to equalise in the first half.

After the break, the England captain won and converted a penalty to put Bayern ahead. England team-mate Declan Rice scored late to earn Arsenal a share of the spoils.

The award remains difficult to predict despite Kane being odds-on. He faces competition from Spain’s World Cup-winning pair Lamine Yamal and Rodri, France captain Kylian Mbappe and Bayern team-mate Michael Olise.

Kane has played down his prospects throughout the build-up, unlike Yamal and Mbappe, who have spoken publicly about their own claims.

Asked again after his performance against Arsenal, Kane said: “I try not to think about it, obviously it’s hard.

“There’s rumours flying around so you try and stay away from it. I’m going to try and enjoy Monday night as much as possible. It’s a big occasion and a big event.”

The Ballon d’Or is judged on individual performances and impressive character, team achievements, and class and fair play.

Recent winners have often lifted the Uefa Champions League or Fifa World Cup, while others have prevailed through outstanding statistics. Kane’s goal tally clearly strengthens his case on that basis.

He has also ended much of the criticism directed at him for failing to win major team honours at Tottenham. Kane now has five trophies with Bayern after last year’s league and cup double, although Bayern’s dominance in Germany could work against him.

Bayern reached the Champions League semi-finals before losing narrowly to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. England finished third at the World Cup, with Kane scoring six goals and providing one assist.

His goal against Arsenal also extended his run to 10 consecutive Champions League matches with a goal, leaving him one short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 11.

“Whenever you’re in any conversation with Ronaldo it means you’re doing something special, especially in this competition,” Kane said.

Bayern manager Vincent Kompany said Kane’s greatest satisfaction had come from finally winning team trophies.

“What made Harry happy the most in recent years is that he finally won his first team trophies here,” he said. “Now, if he can crown his career or his season with the Ballon d’Or, that would be deserved for the way he plays for the team.”

Rice also backed his international captain, saying: “Harry is the clear winner (of the Ballon d’Or). His numbers speak for themselves. The year he had is remarkable.”

Michael Owen was England’s most recent Ballon d’Or winner in 2001, while Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was the last Bayern player to receive the award, in 1981.

“Monday could be a special night, we’ll have to wait and see,” Kane said. “Hopefully it’ll be a special night.”