Jurgen Klinsmann, the former German forward, has asserted that Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane ought to be regarded as a top contender for the upcoming Ballon d’Or.
The 1990 World Cup champion expressed that Kane should be “definitely in the top three” for the prestigious award, which recognises the finest male footballer each year, but noted that advancing to the latter stages of the Champions League will be vital for the 31-year-old’s prospects.
This week, Kane’s Bayern will take on Inter Milan in Munich for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
“If you make it to at least the final four, and ideally win the Champions League, it will certainly aid your chances,” Klinsmann mentioned during a media call from his home in Los Angeles on Monday, as reported by AFP.
Michael Owen remains the last English player to secure the Ballon d’Or, having won it in 2001.
Klinsmann, who also transitioned from Tottenham to Bayern, observed similarities with Kane’s career trajectory.
“He finds himself in a situation akin to mine at the club level. Before leaving Spurs for Bayern, I hadn’t yet claimed a club title.”
“I’ve always believed that if Harry departs Spurs at the right moment, he’ll find the chance to win titles with his club team.”
Currently, Bayern sits six points ahead of the defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, with just six matches left to play, placing Kane on the brink of his first-ever title.
Although Klinsmann never clinched the Ballon d’Or himself, he did finish as the runner-up in the voting in 1995.
The 60-year-old light-heartedly remarked that it was his timing, not his talent, that obstructed him from winning the sport’s most coveted individual accolade.
“I was a bit unfortunate because when I came in second, they had just opened the award to players outside of Europe for the very first time.”
“Then along came George Weah, who had a phenomenal year with AC Milan.”
“It’s just my unfortunate timing.”
Weah, from Liberia, made history as the first and, as of 2025, the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or.
Currently, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri holds the title of Ballon d’Or recipient, with this season’s award expected to be announced in the autumn.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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