Gary Lineker Tips Harry Kane to Win Ballon d’Or After Bayern Munich Form
Gary Lineker believes Harry Kane has built a compelling case for the Ballon d’Or after another prolific spell for Bayern Munich and England, backing the national-team captain to receive football’s leading individual award.
Kane recently drew level with Peter Shilton on 125 England appearances and marked the occasion with two goals in a 3-0 Nations League win over the Czech Republic at Wembley. His latest international double took his England record to 91 goals, while he had already moved beyond Lineker as the country’s highest scorer at World Cup finals earlier this year.
The Bayern forward has carried that output into club football, scoring six times in seven matches this season. He is following a remarkable previous campaign in which he registered 61 goals for the German side and added another 12 for England.
Speaking at Leaders Week at Stamford Bridge, Lineker said Kane’s value extends well beyond his finishing. The former England striker praised his successor’s ability with either foot, aerial threat and willingness to contribute defensively, noting that Kane was helping his side clear danger at the other end of the pitch as well as leading the attack.
Lineker described the 33-year-old as an exceptional player with outstanding intelligence and a career that deserves wider recognition. He said Kane’s sustained level made him worthy of the Ballon d’Or, identifying Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as the other leading contender.
“I would love him to win it,” Lineker said. “It would be thoroughly deserved.” He also expressed hope that Kane can eventually add a major trophy with England to his individual and scoring achievements.
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 and will be held in London, a venue selected in tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the first recipient of the award. England have not previously had a Ballon d’Or winner, with Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen having won the former European Footballer of the Year prize instead.
Before the ceremony, Kane’s immediate attention will remain on Bayern’s domestic and European objectives as he attempts to maintain his early-season scoring return and compete for major honours in Germany and the Champions League.
