Harry Kane says Ballon dOr decision is out of his hands after best season

Harry Kane believes he has produced the best season of his career in 2025-26, but says the decision over whether he wins the Ballon d’Or now rests with the voters.

The Bayern Munich striker was asked about his chances of claiming football’s most prestigious individual award during an interview with TNT Sports.

“Ballon d’Or? It is no longer in my hands. It is down to the voters and the people who will make the decision,” Kane said.

Kane added that he was satisfied to have been included among the players in contention, while accepting that the final outcome was beyond his control.

“The season I have had was by far the best for me. We have to wait and see, but I am happy to be among the nominees,” he said.

The full list of nominees is due to be announced on Tuesday. The men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist will contain 30 players, with a separate list of 30 nominees for the women’s award.

The ceremony will also recognise the best young players, goalkeepers, coaches, strikers and clubs across the men’s and women’s game.

There will be 10 male nominees for the men’s award for best young player and five nominees for the corresponding women’s prize. The goalkeeper categories will feature 10 men and five women.

Five coaches will be nominated for the men’s award for best manager, with five nominees also selected for the women’s best manager award.

A separate award for the best men’s striker will include 10 players, while the women’s version will feature five players.

The awards will also recognise the best men’s club, with five clubs nominated, alongside a women’s category containing five nominees.

Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, is therefore waiting to discover whether his performances during the 2025-26 season will be enough to earn him a place at the top of the final vote. For now, he has acknowledged that his role is complete and that the Ballon d’Or result will be determined by those responsible for selecting the winner.

The men’s and women’s nomination lists, together with the shortlists for the other awards, are scheduled to be revealed on Tuesday.