Harry Kane reveals he would trade Ballon d'Or triumph for European success with Bayern Munich - 'I would choose the Champions League'

Harry Kane is yet to score since pipping Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the 2026 Ballon d'Or last week. The Bayern Munich forward drew blanks in Bundesliga meetings with Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund, and also missed a penalty in the 2-2 draw with Niko Kovac's side at the weekend.

'Celebrate his immense talent' - Simeone showers Kane with praise

Video credit: SNTV

Kane will hope to avoid a third successive goalless outing when Bayern take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

The England captain has scored in 10 straight UEFA Champions League appearances following his effort against Arsenal last month, and will match Cristiano Ronaldo's 11-goal run should he add to his four European goals this term against Atletico on Matchday 4.

Kane is seeking to further justify his Ballon d'Or success as Bayern strive to end a seven-year wait to win a major piece of European silverware.

Transfers

Barcelona and Atleti plot January raids on Arsenal - Euro Transfer News

33 minutes ago

Despite securing individual glory, the 33-year-old revealed ahead of a tough game in Madrid that he would trade his Ballon d'Or for a Champions League title.

"Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important," said Kane.

"The Ballon d'Or last week was one of the best feelings I've had in my life and my 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.

"Of course the Ballon d'Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well.

"I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both. Let's see what happens."

Kane won the Ballon d'Or by just 28 points ahead of Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe.

"Since the Ballon d'Or there’s been a great reaction - perhaps because my journey has been a bit different from some of the other winners; people didn’t expect me to reach the level I’m at now," said Kane.

"But through hard work, determination, and resilience, I’ve been able to do it."

Atletico head coach Diego Simeone lavished praise upon Kane ahead of Tuesday's clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.

"I consider him an incredible player," the Argentine began.

"I have always liked him, I have no doubt that, with the growth and maturity he has had over the years, he has found better places to play up front without moving away from what he does very well, which is scoring goals.

"He looks committed to the work, to getting the team out from the back.

"I congratulate him for his talent. He does football a lot of good and, above all, the kids who watch this type of player, who leave a legacy for young people on how you can reach an important place by working."

'Beyond my wildest dreams' - Kane becomes first English men's Ballon d'Or winner in 25 years

Video credit: SNTV

And having read Simeone's comments, Kane was quick to return the favour, adding: "I'd like to thank Diego Simeone, who is one of the best coaches of this era.

"I'm proud to receive praise from someone like him. Winning the Ballon d'Or was a huge achievement for me.

"I've had to overcome many challenges in my career, some people didn't think I'd get this far, but Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow."

Kane contract update

Kane continued that he expects to sign a new Bayern contract "within the next few days", with the striker ready to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

Speculation earlier this year suggested that the former Tottenham Hotspur forward would consider a return to the Premier League to chase down Alan Shearer's 260-goal record.

The England star needs another 47 to go level with the former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United star.

However, Kane is now set to remain in the Bundesliga, quashing talk of a potential 2027 return to England.

On the new deal in the pipeline, Kane said ahead of the Atletico clash: "I would say it is more [a matter of] days.

"There has been good conversations over this weekend and today as well. I know I keep saying we are close, but we are extremely close now. Details are just details in every contract.

"A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out, and we are happy with, but in every contract there is loads of little things that go into it, small details that in the end the lawyers have to thrash out and figure out.

"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 and, hopefully, we will be in a place to do something within the next few days."

Kane hopes to fire Bayern back to winning ways in the Champions League, after the German giants followed up their 5-0 triumph over Bodo/Glimt with successive draws with Viking and Arsenal.

And their chances of putting three points on the board in Madrid are hindered by the absences of Luis Diaz, Serge Gnabry and Ismael Saibari.

Michael Olise, who missed the Arsenal draw due to a ban, is a doubt with a knee issue, while goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Jonas Urbig will both be assessed.

Download the TNT Sports app on iPhone and Android.

Watch and stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.

Ballon d’Or