‘I could score 100 goals…’ – Harry Kane delivers Ballon d’Or verdict, makes Erling Haaland comparison

Harry Kane has said he will only be "in conversation" for the Ballon d'Or if he wins the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich or the FIFA World Cup with England. The 32-year-old striker has scored 26 goals in 21 appearances for club and country this season, but believes he "could score 100 goals" this term and not claim the individual award if he does not win one of those two major trophies.

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Harry Kane has admitted he will need to win the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA Champions League to be in contention for next year’s Ballon d’Or.

The England and Bayern Munich forward has enjoyed a prolific start to the campaign, scoring 26 goals in 21 appearances for club and country.

But the 32-year-old, who came 13th in this year’s Ballon d’Or, believes a significant goal haul is not enough for football’s most prestigious individual award.

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"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," Kane said, speaking ahead of England’s final World Cup qualifier against Albania.

"It’s the same with [Erling] Haaland, it’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies."

Bayern have started the season formidably, winning their opening 16 games in all competitions before a draw with Union Berlin last weekend.

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England, meanwhile, have breezed through qualification under Thomas Tuchel, coming out on top of their seven matches so far without conceding a goal.

"We’re in great shape at Bayern Munich, so that maybe makes the odds a little bit more in my favour. Same with England," Kane said.

"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."

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele picked up this year's award after his stunning 2024/25 campaign.

The Frenchman scored 35 goals and made 14 assists for the Parisians last season, but also got his hands on the Champions League, Ligue 1 and the French Cup.

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Rodri claimed the prize last year after winning the European Championships with Spain, while Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023 after World Cup glory with Argentina.

But for Kane, the priority is team success, and he is "100%" confident that the current England squad have the culture to go all the way next summer.

"It’s better than where we were last year," the England captain said.

"There was a transition stage with new managers and temporary managers with Lee [Carsley]. So there is maybe room for a little bit of an excuse there.

"But representing your country is the biggest honour and, when you’re trying to build a culture and a winning mentality, you need the players there as much as possible. Every moment is important."

He added: "We’re heading in the right direction on the pitch and off it.

"You can see with this camp...Marc [Guehi] had a little injury, but still wanted to be around the group and the meetings and learn from what we’re trying to do.

"I definitely think the team is in a really good place going into the new year."

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Thoughts?