Harry Kane backed to win prestigious award only eight players have won in 20 years

Harry Kane has been tipped to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or for 25 years.

The Bayern Munich striker is amongst the favourites to win the prestigious award at a ceremony in October.

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World Cup winner Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, who won the tournament’s golden boot, are also in the running.

However, Kane has now received the backing of a former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or backing

Toby Alderweireld endorsed the England captain for the award during an appearance on Wednesday’s Breakfast show.

The ex-Belgium defender joined Andy Goldstein and Andy Townsend live on air.

When asked if he thinks Kane should win the Ballon d’Or, Alderweireld replied: “For me, yes.

“I’m going to tell you why. Because before, it was always people who were quick, good dribblers and stuff like this. Of course, the (Lionel) Messi’s and (Cristiano) Ronaldo’s, but Harry is so good.

“Of course, he’s a goal scorer, but on the other hand, he’s a real team player. He makes the team play better.

“Everyone’s talking about that he’s dropping more into midfield, but his positioning is so good when you are under pressure and you want to get some breathing time.

“You put the ball to him, he uses his body so good. He’s a very good striker. I think he’s one of the best in the world. He’s very complete.”

Kane’s stunning season

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for Bayern last season.

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Those include 36 in the Bundesliga as he won a third successive golden boot as well a second European Golden Shoe.

Alongside their title triumph, Bayern completed a league and cup double by lifting the DFB Pokal, in which Kane also finished as top scorer.

As well as his goals, Kane also provided seven assists for his Bayern team-mates.

Meanwhile, his six goals for the Three Lions at the World Cup took his overall tally for club and country last term to 73 goals in 65 matches.

Elite company

Kane would become just the ninth different player to win the Ballon d’Or since 2006 if he is successful this year.

The award has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last 20 years, with eight and five wins, respectively.

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However, neither of them have received the honour since Messi’s last triumph in 2023.

Instead, Rodri and Ousmane Dembele are the two latest recipients, with the former in the running again this year.

The Spain captain was named World Cup player of the tournament after his nation’s second triumph in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Kane would also be the first Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001 and only the fifth ever.

His current best finish in the award’s rankings is 10th, which he achieved in 2017, 2018 and 2024.

Last year’s ceremony saw Kane ranked 13th overall between Paris Saint-Germain pair Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.