Golden Shoe winner Kane hopes for Ballon d’Or after ‘best season ever’

MUNICH: Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane expressed his ambition for the Ballon d'Or after clinching his second European Golden Shoe on Wednesday. The England skipper claimed the accolade following his goal-scoring exploits in the top divisions of Europe last season. Kane's award came after a stellar first season at the Bavarian club, but he claimed this year's prize tasted even sweeter than the first.

The 33-year-old netted 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches during the 2023-24 campaign, the third highest tally in a German top-flight season. He also secured the league and cup double, as well as six goals in the World Cup, becoming England's top scorer with 14 career goals. In total, Kane scored 73 goals for club and country last season.

Kane acknowledged that he has no control over the decision to award the football's highest individual honor. He stated, "Obviously, that's out of my control. I know, of course, there's going to be a lot of talk about it from now until October when it's announced. Ultimately, I've done everything I can last season. It was my best season by far. I achieved a lot with the teams I was in."

Only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the Golden Shoe more times than Kane. Messi won the award six times, all with Barcelona, while Ronaldo secured the accolade three times at Real Madrid and once at Manchester United. Kane remarked, "That's for you guys to debate and fans to debate. That's what makes the Ballon d'Or so special as well. Many players have had great seasons."

On Monday, Kane hinted at negotiations to extend his contract at Bayern, which expires in 2027.