Harry Kane, the prolific striker for Bayern Munich, has emerged as a leading contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, following an extraordinary season where he netted 61 goals in 51 appearances for the club and added six more for England during the World Cup. The prestigious award, which honors the world's best footballer, will be presented in October, and Kane's remarkable performance has garnered significant attention.
Bayern Munich has been vocal in its backing of Kane's Ballon d'Or aspirations. Rouven Kasper, the club's chief marketing officer, recently stated in an interview with Sky Sports that there is “no way around” the 33-year-old when discussing this year's award. This strong support from the club's hierarchy reflects their belief in Kane's exceptional contributions on the pitch.
Roy Makaay, a Bayern Munich legend and former Netherlands international, has also expressed his endorsement for Kane. In an exclusive interview, Makaay emphasized the importance of club support for players vying for individual accolades. “I think it’s very good that your club supports you in this. I’ve never heard Kane speak about it himself,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of institutional backing.
Makaay, who currently serves as the head coach of FC Bayern’s World Squad, a project dedicated to scouting and nurturing young talent globally, believes Kane's outstanding 2025/26 campaign makes him a deserving candidate for the Ballon d'Or. “If he wins it, he deserves it, because the season he had was tremendous,” Makaay stated. However, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football awards, noting that the Ballon d'Or often reflects subjective opinions.
“There are several players in the running, but Kane is one of the main contenders,” he added, underscoring Kane's prolific scoring record for both club and country. Makaay expressed his hope for Kane to win, stating, “I would love for him to win it, and if he does, he would deserve it, but we’ll have to see in October.”
During the same discussion, former VfB Stuttgart defender Frank Verlaat mentioned Rodri as another strong contender for the award. Verlaat pointed out that Kane's lack of a Champions League title or World Cup victory could hinder his chances, contrasting him with Rodri, who played a pivotal role in Spain's World Cup triumph and was named the tournament's best player. “The winner has usually won a big competition like the World Cup or the Champions League,” Verlaat noted, adding that Kane's remarkable season should not be overlooked.
Makaay and Verlaat's comments came ahead of a floating watch party hosted by the Bundesliga in Amsterdam, celebrating Bayern Munich's impressive 5-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in their Bundesliga opener. The event allowed the two football legends to connect with fans while enjoying the scenic canals of Amsterdam, reflecting their shared passion for the Bundesliga, a league they have followed since childhood.
Makaay reminisced about his early experiences watching Bundesliga matches with his grandfather, emphasizing the league's appeal: “It’s a very attractive league, and we have a lot of Dutch players in the Bundesliga as well.” Their enthusiasm for promoting the Bundesliga outside of Germany highlights the league's growing international presence and fanbase.
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