Kane sets sights on Champions League glory in Madrid after Ballon d’Or success

Harry Kane says his Ballon d’Or triumph is likely to influence how his career is judged, but the Bayern Munich striker insists the achievement will not alter his ambition to win more major honours.

Speaking to France Football, the French magazine that presents the award, Kane identified his most significant moment of last season as the German Cup final against Stuttgart, in which he scored a hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory.

“The best moment for me was scoring a hat-trick in the German Cup final against Stuttgart,” Kane said.

“The club had not won this competition for six years, and at the beginning of the season we discussed that objective as a team. That final was probably one of the best performances of my career, and I took responsibility by scoring a hat-trick.”

Kane said the significance of the victory extended beyond his own contribution, given its importance to everyone connected with Bayern Munich.

“That memory remains particularly special to me because I understand what that win means, not only for me but also for everyone here in Munich,” he added.

Kane on the impact of the Ballon d’Or

Asked whether winning the Ballon d’Or had changed the way people viewed him, Kane said the award would probably affect perceptions of both his career and his standing in the game.

“Probably yes, especially in terms of how the world sees me and assesses my career,” he said. “We live in an era in which these awards are very important to people, and they influence the way they judge a player’s level.”

Kane added that the success of his latest season could not be taken away, while acknowledging the respect such individual honours can bring from supporters and people within football.

“No-one will ever be able to take this moment or this season away from me,” he said. “I think winning awards of this kind makes you earn the respect of other people and the fans. That is certain.”

However, the England striker said the recognition would not change the way he approaches his career. He remains focused on pursuing further achievements, including the possibility of winning the Ballon d’Or in successive years.

“But I do not think it will change my mentality,” Kane said. “Whatever I achieve, I am always looking to achieve more. What else can I do? Can I win the Ballon d’Or twice in a row? That is how I have always approached things.”

Asked when he would like to speak to France Football again, Kane gave a clear answer.

“I hope it will be after winning the Champions League in Madrid this season,” he said.

The final of the current Champions League edition will take place on 5 June 2027 at the Metropolitano, known commercially as Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the official home of Atletico Madrid.