Harry Kane says he is “extremely proud” of his goalscoring record last season and is delighted to be fighting for the Ballon d’Or.
The Bayern Munich The striker scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 campaign, a tally bettered only by Lionel Messi’s 82 in 2011-12.
Kane is currently the bookmakers’ favorite to win the award in October and would become just the fifth Englishman to claim the award if successful.
Kane proud of record season
Kane described last season as the best of his career after scoring 73 goals for Bayern and England.
“Of course I’m very proud of the season I had, for sure,” Kane told TNT Sports’ Owen Hargreaves.
“Not so long ago, I was that fan who wanted to become a professional footballer and now I’m here and winning awards and the Ballon d’Or is the same.
“Of course it’s out of my hands now, it’s up to the voters and the people to decide. The season I had was by far my best season and we’ll have to wait and see.”
Kane’s tally took him past Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record of 69 goals in a season, while only Messi has scored more in a single campaign in the modern era.
Kane embraces the Ballon d’Or debate
Despite being among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or, Kane knows the final decision is out of his hands.
He believes the debate around the award is part of what makes football so interesting, with different players valued for different qualities.
“It’s weird because I’m already focused on this season and next season. Can I be better? Can I improve? But I also want to appreciate what I’ve done,” he said.
“The thing about football opinions: there are so many opinions, so many arguments for different players and people love this player because he is fast and has a great IQ and his finishing is fantastic.
“So I think that’s what makes football special, all these debates, and the Ballon d’Or is definitely one of them. I’m happy to be in the fight.”