Kane answers Mbappé on Ballon d'Or with 73 goals and deliberate discretion

Harry Kane responded to Kylian Mbappé’s media campaign for the 2026 Ballon d’Or with restraint: in an interview granted to Marca on Friday, the Bayern Munich striker let his statistics do the work, without ever explicitly calling for votes.

Winner of the European Golden Boot as the continent’s top scorer last season, the England international acknowledged the scale of his 2024-2025 campaign. “It was, by far, the best season of my career. Reaching 73 goals, the second-best total in history, speaks for itself. I’m extremely proud of it,” he said. Only Lionel Messi has done better, with 82 goals in 69 matches during the 2011-2012 season.

Kane, however, sought to downplay his individual candidacy. “I’ve never really liked talking about myself. Last season was incredible, both personally and collectively. But the Ballon d’Or doesn’t depend on me — it’s awarded by the public. For me, that season is already in the past. I’m focused on this one.”

His approach contrasts sharply with Mbappé’s, who has multiplied interviews in carefully selected media outlets to maximize his audience before the ceremony on October 26 in London, the 70th edition of the trophy.

This edition is being held in Kane’s hometown, a detail the striker did not overlook. “Many people have mentioned it to me and it might be a good omen. The fact that it’s taking place in my hometown would make the event even more special. We’ll see.”

The thirty nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or will have to wait until October 26 to learn the verdict.