Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says he would give up his Ballon d’Or trophy in exchange for winning the UEFA Champions League with the German champions.
The England captain, who recently became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the prestigious individual award, insists team success remains his biggest ambition despite reaching a major milestone in his career.
Kane beat Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal to claim the accolade, becoming only the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or.
Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital, the 33-year-old described the award as one of the greatest moments of his career but stressed the importance of winning major trophies with his team-mates.
“Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,” Kane said.
“The Ballon d’Or last week was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life and my career.
“But to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club – to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling.”
Asked to choose between the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League trophy, Kane made his preference clear.
“I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both – let’s see what happens,” he added.
Kane targets another historic milestone
Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph followed a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country, having 81 goal contributions in total and helped Bayern secure a domestic treble.
The award also marked a historic moment for Bayern, who had not had a Ballon d’Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the honour in 1981.
The striker said the celebrations surrounding his achievement had made the past week particularly memorable.
“It’s been a rollercoaster since the celebrations,” Kane said.
“It was a huge high for me, but also for the club. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life, without a doubt.”
Despite the individual recognition, Kane’s attention has now shifted towards helping Bayern conquer Europe and add the Champions League trophy to his collection.
