Harry Kane believes he has a genuine shot at becoming the first English Ballon d'Or winner in over 20 years. The England captain feels his move to Bayern Munich has elevated his status in world football and put him in contention for the prestigious individual award.
Kane has been absolutely on fire since joining the German giants last August. He's netted 32 goals and provided 11 assists in just 37 appearances across all competitions this season. That's the kind of form that gets you noticed on the global stage!
The 31-year-old striker isn't shy about his ambitions. "Just being at a club like Bayern Munich has helped push me on even more, confidence-wise and responsibility-wise," Kane told reporters ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Bayern Move: The Career Game-Changer
Kane's decision to leave Tottenham for Bayern seems to be paying off in terms of his worldwide recognition. "I've improved, and maybe the 'aura' of me as a player is a bit more respected than what it has been in the past, because you're playing in big games, big nights," he explained.
The last English player to win the Ballon d'Or was Michael Owen back in 2001. That's a 23-year drought Kane is hoping to end. But he knows individual brilliance alone won't be enough.
"For something like that, you have to win enough team trophies to be considered and probably score 40-odd goals, but that is a possibility this season," Kane added. Bayern currently sit atop the Bundesliga table and have advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, making trophy success a real possibility.
The Underappreciated Goalscoring Machine
Despite his incredible consistency, Kane feels his achievements sometimes go under the radar. He compared his situation to when Ronaldo or Messi would score "only" 40 goals instead of 50 and face criticism.
"People take it for granted and maybe a little bit with England as well. I've scored 69 goals and when you score against Albania or Latvia, people just expect it," Kane said with a hint of frustration.
For bettors, Kane's form makes him a solid option for anytime goalscorer markets in both Bayern and England fixtures. His consistency in finding the net, regardless of opposition, provides value even at shorter odds.
The forward's Champions League performances will be particularly worth watching. A deep Bayern run with Kane as the star could dramatically shorten his Ballon d'Or odds from their current longshot status.
"If I was 25 now and doing what I'm doing, the excitement around me would maybe be a little bit different," Kane reflected. "Maybe people just get a little bit bored of what you do, but I'm certainly not bored. I'm excited for these games and the games ahead."
With Bayern fighting on multiple fronts and England heading into major tournaments, Kane has the perfect platform to stake his claim for football's most coveted individual prize. The combination of goals and trophies could finally bring the Ballon d'Or back to English hands.
