Harry Kane names two things that are stopping him from winning the Ballon d’Or
Harry Kane’s sensational start to the season has prompted talk that he could win the Ballon d’Or next year, and the England captain already knows else what needs to do
Harry Kane has insisted he will not win the Ballon d’Or – unless England lift the World Cup. England captain Kane is on course to break records this season and is just one international goal behind Brazil legend Pele.
Bayern Munich star Kane, who has scored 23 goals in 17 games this season, has made no secret of the fact that winning the Ballon d’Or is one of his biggest ambitions. But Kane says the winner of football’s prestigious individual prize always comes from the team which lifts the World Cup or Champions League trophies.
Kane, who is already England’s record scorer with 76 goals from 111 caps, said: “I could score 100 goals this season but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or.
“It’s the same with Erling Haaland, it’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies. With the way the season is going as a team with Bayern Munich, it looks like we’re in great shape.
“It looks like we’re one of the favourites for the Champions League, for sure. So that maybe makes the odds a little bit more in my favour. Same with England. I think we’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites.
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“Whenever you are going into a year, like a World Cup year, there is a lot of excitement, a lot of talk, a lot of noise around everything. You have to try and stay focused on the now.
“From my point of view, I’ve got six more weeks before I get a nice break. I am feeling good. And that break will help for us but hopefully if things go my way for club and country then I’m definitely going to be in the conversation for a trophy like the Ballon d’Or.”
Kane is also closing in on one of football’s all time greats as Pele scored 77 goals in 92 caps for Brazil and the England striker admits he loves those targets and pieces of history.
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Kane added: “To be around a name like Pele speaks for itself. Sometimes when you’re in it, it’s hard to process some of the names you’re around or the things you’re achieving. You just want to go onto the next one.
“Hopefully to score tomorrow and go level with Pele, who had such an inspirational international career, just shows how far I’ve come through my career.”
Kane is set to lead England in their final World Cup qualifier with Albania in Tirana on Sunday.
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