Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or Chances Bolstered by Bayern Success, Says England Icon Heskey
Former England striker Emile Heskey has thrown his support behind Harry Kane to win football's most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d'Or, particularly if Bayern Munich can secure Champions League glory this season.
Kane has been in phenomenal form since his move to Bavaria, amassing an extraordinary 32 goals and 11 assists in just 37 appearances across all competitions. The 31-year-old's remarkable contribution has helped propel Bayern Munich to the top of the Bundesliga while also securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Inter Milan.
"I can see Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or this year, 100%," Heskey told BetVictor. "With Kane, you always know you're going to get goals. It's great to see that he's likely to win a trophy this year too, at least the Bundesliga, which will only help his Ballon d'Or case and put him in the running."
No English player has claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001, but Heskey believes Kane has the credentials to end that 23-year drought. The former Liverpool and Leicester City striker emphasized that European success could be the determining factor in Kane's bid for the award.
"He'll always be in the running when he's scoring goals at the rate that he does," Heskey added. "A Bundesliga and Champions League double would definitely put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or."
Throughout his career, Kane has faced criticism for his lack of major silverware despite being one of the most consistent goal-scorers in world football. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he narrowly missed out on several titles, but that narrative appears set to change this season.
Bayern currently hold a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga, putting Kane on course for his first major club trophy. However, it's Champions League success that could make the most significant difference in Ballon d'Or voting. Should Bayern claim their seventh European Cup, Kane's individual brilliance combined with historic team success could provide the exact formula needed for him to claim football's most prestigious individual accolade.
With 43 goal contributions this season already, Kane is demonstrating that his move to Germany has elevated his game to new heights. As Bayern prepare for their Champions League quarter-final clash with Inter, the England captain's dream of finally adding silverware to his impressive personal statistics looks increasingly likely to become reality – and with it, perhaps, the crowning achievement of a Ballon d'Or.
