Tuchel backs 'full package' Kane to end England's 25-year Ballon d'Or wait

Thomas Tuchel has thrown his full support behind Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or next month, declaring the England captain the standout candidate after a record-breaking 2024-25 season. Kane, who scored 73 goals and helped Bayern Munich lift three trophies while also reaching a World Cup semi-final with England, is the bookmakers’ clear favourite ahead of the prestigious ceremony.

Asked directly whether Kane deserves the award ahead of rivals such as Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, Tuchel was unequivocal. “Yeah. After this season, yeah. 70 plus goals. Three titles with Bayern Munich. Semi-final, two semi-finals, semi-final at the World Cup,” the England manager said. “He’s getting better and better. He’s added a level of physicality to his match. He’s just so committed to high press and so committed to being involved in every part of the match — be it deep build-up, be it finishing, be it build-up play in the middle block, be it defending. He’s just the full package.”

A Kane victory would mark the first time an English player has won the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen claimed the honour in 2001 — a 25-year gap that underlines the scale of the achievement within reach.

Kane himself has been measured on the subject. “I’ve never liked to talk about myself too much,” he told Marca. “The only thing I would say is that last season was incredible, on a personal level and as a team. It was, by far, the best season of my life. To finish on 73 goals, the second-highest tally in history, speaks for itself. I’m extremely proud of that.”

The striker was quick to redirect his focus, however. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. It depends on the people that vote. From my point of view, last season is in the past. I’m now focused on this one and I’m eager to see what else I can achieve.”

Beyond the individual award, Tuchel also addressed Kane’s long-term international future. The 31-year-old will be 36 by the time the 2030 World Cup kicks off, but his manager has no doubts about his longevity. “At the next World Cup? Yeah, no problem. Age is age, doesn’t matter. It’s only about quality and he has a long way to go,” Tuchel said.

Kane is also closing in on a significant caps milestone, with the chance to equal Peter Shilton’s England record of 125 appearances during the current run of four Nations League fixtures, beginning against Spain on Saturday.