Tuchel Tips Kane for Ballon d’Or After 73-Goal Bayern Munich Season
Thomas Tuchel has backed Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or after a 2025-26 season in which the Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals for club and country and collected three domestic trophies in Germany.
Why Kane’s case carries weight
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Goals in 2025-26 | 73 for club and country |
| Bayern Munich trophies | Bundesliga, German Cup, German Super Cup |
| England World Cup result | Bronze medal after semi-final defeat to Argentina |
| Potential England caps landmark | 125, Peter Shilton’s men’s record |
Kane’s Bayern campaign brought a domestic treble, while his European season also included a Champions League semi-final. He then captained England through their World Cup run, which ended with a semi-final loss against Argentina before the Three Lions responded to claim third place.
The bronze medal represented England’s strongest finish at a World Cup staged outside the country. Kane’s output across the season has consequently made him a leading candidate for the Golden Ball, with the award due to be presented next month.
England have not had a Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Tuchel believes Kane has earned serious recognition not only for his goals but for the broader development in his game.
The England head coach said the forward’s 70-plus goals, Bayern honours and runs to the World Cup and Champions League semi-finals made a compelling case. Tuchel also pointed to added physical strength in Kane’s performances.
Tuchel described his captain as an increasingly complete centre-forward, citing his willingness to press, contribute to deeper construction phases, link play through midfield areas and defend when required. In the coach’s view, Kane now offers every major element expected of a modern No. 9.
Tuchel sees no age barrier for England captain
Kane will be 36 when the 2030 World Cup is played across Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but Tuchel does not believe that will prevent his captain from remaining among the elite.
The manager’s position is that quality, rather than age, will decide Kane’s longevity. Kane is already England’s all-time leading scorer and could draw level with Peter Shilton’s record of 125 men’s caps during the present Nations League camp if he appears in each of the four matches.
England begin the schedule against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. It will be the first meeting between the sides since Spain beat Gareth Southgate’s England in the Euro 2024 final before going on to win the World Cup.
- Spain at Wembley — Saturday
- Czech Republic away — September 29
- Croatia away — October 3
- Czech Republic at Wembley — October 6
What remains to be decided
Kane’s Ballon d’Or prospects will be settled when the award is announced next month. His chance to equal Shilton’s England appearance record depends on his involvement across all four Nations League fixtures.
