Bayern Munich send major delegation to London as Harry Kane emerges as Ballon d’Or hope

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen says the club will take a large delegation to London for Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the German club hoping Harry Kane wins football’s most prestigious individual award.

Dreesen said Bayern would be “extremely happy” if Kane claimed the prize, while praising the England striker’s contribution for both club and country.

“Harry breaks records year after year, but his 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England carry particular significance this time,” Dreesen said.

He described Kane as a “360-degree striker”, explaining that the forward has a complete view of the pitch, works tirelessly and helps his team-mates produce better performances.

In comments reported by the German newspaper Merkur, Dreesen added that Kane had continued to develop his style of play and had helped change the way the entire team performs.

The Bayern chief executive also portrayed Kane as a global star whose humility and sophistication have made him an outstanding example both on and off the pitch.

Kane is not the only Bayern player to have attracted Dreesen’s attention. He also praised French forward Michael Olise, saying the player deserved his place among the nominees and predicting that he would win the Ballon d’Or one day.

Dreesen said the presence of several Bayern players on the shortlist recognised what had been an exceptional season. Four Bayern players have been nominated for the first time in 10 years.

Vincent Kompany is also among the nominees for the world’s best coach, while Bayern’s men’s and women’s teams are both nominated for the best club award for the first time.

“We will travel to London with all humility, hoping to celebrate winning one or two awards,” Dreesen said.

Should Kane win, he would become the first Bayern Munich player to receive the Ballon d’Or since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981. The source gives Kane’s age as 33.