Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has declared that he would trade his historic Ballon d’Or triumph for a UEFA Champions League winner’s medal, insisting that team glory remains football’s ultimate prize.
The England captain, who became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the prestigious individual award, said lifting Europe’s biggest club trophy with Bayern would mean more to him than personal recognition.
Kane made the declaration ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital, describing his Ballon d’Or triumph as one of the greatest moments of his career but stressing his hunger for collective success.
“Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,” the 33-year-old said.
Asked to choose between the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League, Kane was unequivocal: “I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both. Let’s see what happens.”
The former Tottenham forward enjoyed a remarkable campaign last season, scoring 73 goals for club and country as he inspired Bayern to a domestic treble, earning him the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.
His triumph also ended Bayern’s 45-year wait for a Ballon d’Or winner, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge the club’s last recipient in 1981.
Meanwhile, Kane has revealed that negotiations over a new Bayern contract are at an advanced stage, expressing confidence that an agreement could be reached within days.
The striker, who joined the German giants from Tottenham in August 2023 for £86.4 million, said most major issues had been resolved, with only minor contractual details left for lawyers to finalise.
“We are extremely close. Hopefully, we will be in a place to do something within the next few days,” he said.
Kane also acknowledged the challenge of Bayern preparing for their European assignment without head coach Vincent Kompany, who is recovering after collapsing during a training session and spending five days in hospital.
Despite the setback, the England skipper insisted the squad remained united and determined to keep fighting for silverware.
