‘73 goals speaks for itself’: Kane gives candid Ballon d’Or verdict

Harry Kane has played down talk of a potential 2026 Ballon d'Or triumph despite admitting that his record-breaking season was the best of his career.

The Bayern Munich striker was asked about his chances of winning football's most prestigious individual prize after scoring an astonishing 73 goals last season.

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But unlike some of the game's biggest stars, Kane refused to campaign for his own candidacy and insisted the final decision rests with the voters.

“It's complicated. I've never liked talking too much about myself,” Kane told Marca.

The England captain, however, made no secret of his pride at what he achieved last season, describing it as the finest campaign of his career.

“Last season was incredible, both personally and as a team. It was, by far, the best season of my life,” Kane said.

His 73-goal haul also puts his achievement into historic territory, with only Lionel Messi's 82-goal campaign in 2011-12 standing above it in the figures cited by Kane.

“It's true that reaching 73 goals, the second-highest tally in history, speaks for itself,” he added.

“I'm extremely proud of it. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped make it possible.”

Despite those remarkable numbers, Kane is refusing to get carried away by the Ballon d'Or discussion.

“The Ballon d'Or isn't in my hands. It depends on the people who vote,” he said.

“For me, last season is already in the past. Now I'm focused on this one and I'm eager to see what else I can do.”

Kane also acknowledged that the Ballon d'Or debate will continue to dominate the football world in the months ahead.

“I know there will be a lot of talk about the Ballon d'Or until October, because it's a major award,” he said.

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Kane chasing another Golden Boot

While he may be reluctant to talk himself up for the Ballon d'Or, Kane is far more comfortable discussing goals.

The Bayern striker revealed that he remains hungry for more Golden Boot success and wants to keep adding to his collection.

Kane also paid tribute to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, describing them as the two players who dominated football for an entire generation.

“Messi and Ronaldo dominated football for an entire generation,” Kane said. “They are two of the best in history.”

For Kane, being mentioned in the same conversation is already a significant achievement.

“Just being part of that conversation is already something special. It's a goal,” he said.

“As a striker, I'm expected to score goals. The Golden Boot isn't my only objective, but of course, I know that if I win it, I'll also be helping the team.”

And the England star's ambition has not changed.

“Every time I win one, I want another, and then another,” Kane added.

“I hope to be there again this season, scoring as many goals as I can in the Bundesliga, and we'll see if I can get another one.”

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Kane reveals respect for Messi

Kane also opened up about his relationship with Messi and recalled the emotion surrounding their meeting after a major World Cup disappointment.

Despite the pain of elimination, Kane said he wanted to show respect to one of the greatest players in football history.

“Obviously, that day was tough for me. A difficult moment to be eliminated like that. But I have a lot of respect for Messi,” he said.

Kane revealed that he had watched Messi develop throughout his extraordinary career and believes the Argentine is as humble off the pitch as he is brilliant on it.

“I watched him grow as a footballer. I think he's simply an incredible player and also an incredible person, from what people who know him tell me,” Kane said.

“I've only met him a couple of times, but he seems like a very humble person.”

The Bayern star also highlighted Messi's willingness to put Argentina ahead of himself, saying that team-first mentality was one of the reasons for the country's success.

Kane recalled embracing Messi and wishing him well, despite his own disappointment.

“From that day, I remember hugging him and wishing him good luck for the final,” he said.

“It wasn't our World Cup in the end, but that's what a World Cup is all about: the best players facing off on the biggest stage, and of course, there's always going to be a loser.”

For Kane, the moment was ultimately about sporting respect.

“After losing, I tried to keep my head held high and show respect for the other team,” he said.

“I think that was important, especially towards Leo for how incredible he has been for so many years in football.”