Harry Kane says he would trade his Ballon d’Or trophy for a Champions League winner’s medal. The Bayern Munich striker, who is expected to sign a new contract with the club “within the next few days”, says Europe’s elite club competition is at the front of his mind after a “rollercoaster” week.
The 33-year-old became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the accolade, beating Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. He became just the fifth Englishman to win the award, joining Michael Owen, Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan on an elite list.
Speaking at a news conference before Bayern’s Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital, Kane stressed the importance of team success. “Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,” he said.
Kane described the Ballon d’Or as one of the best feelings of his life and career. “But to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club – to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling,” he added.
Asked whether he would have to pick between the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or, the England captain was clear. “I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both – let’s see what happens,” he said. He added that the Ballon d’Or “puts me on an even bigger level”, but that he wants the big finals and the emotion of celebrating with his team-mates.
Bayern and their supporters also paid tribute to Kane before Saturday’s Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund. The club had not produced a Ballon d’Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the award in 1981.
Kane, who scored 73 goals for club and country last season as he helped Bayern win a domestic treble, described the period since the ceremony as a rollercoaster. “It was a huge high for me, but also for the club,” he said. “But we’ve had some lows and a lot of extremes we’ve had to deal with. It’s brought us closer together and we fight for every moment.”
Extremely close on new contract
Kane said there had been “good conversations” in recent days over a new deal at Bayern, and that he was “extremely close” to signing it. “A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out and we are happy with,” said Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham for £86.4m (100m euros) in August 2023.
He explained that the remaining work involves smaller details that lawyers must finalise. “So all in all I would say it is more days than weeks. From what I have heard, the conversations have gone well again today,” he said. “Hopefully we will be in a place to do something within the next few days.”
Kompany’s absence
Bayern’s preparations have also been overshadowed by the absence of head coach Vincent Kompany. The Belgian was taken to hospital after collapsing during a training session involving the club’s reserve team on 23 October. He was discharged five days later and is continuing his recovery, with no definitive return date set. Assistant Aaron Danks has overseen first-team duties in his absence.
Kane acknowledged the difficulty of playing without his manager but said the squad is coping well. “We’re missing our coach, but everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves and there’s a long way to go,” he said.