Harry Kane Sets Sights on Pele's Historic Record While Boldly Predicting 2026 Ballon d'Or Winner

Even after surpassing milestones established by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the legendary Pelé now within reach, Harry Kane cautioned that scoring alone won't be sufficient to claim next year's Ballon d'Or.

Kane placed 13th in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings, positioning himself behind both Paris Saint-Germain fullbacks and even his England teammate Cole Palmer.

The Bundesliga winner had an exceptional individual season in 2023–24, netting 44 goals across 45 matches for Bayern Munich while guiding the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final. However, that campaign still saw him unable to rise above 10th place in France Football's esteemed individual honor.

Well into the latter portion of his career, Kane continues to demonstrate remarkable development. Assuming greater playmaking duties for a dominant Bayern Munich squad, the 32-year-old has netted 23 goals in 17 appearances, producing goals and assists at a faster pace than Messi's record-breaking 2011–12 season.

Nevertheless, Kane has realized that achieving individual recognition worthy of his performances will demand more than simply finding the net. "I could net 100 goals this season, but without winning the Champions League or World Cup, you're likely not claiming the Ballon d'Or," the England skipper told The Guardian.

Harry Kane's Record in the Ballon d'Or

* The Ballon d'Or was not awarded in 2020.

"The situation is identical with [Manchester City's Erling] Haaland, and with any footballer," Kane continued. "Major trophy victories are essential. We're well-positioned at Bayern Munich, which might improve my chances slightly. The same applies to England."

Kane's specific mention of Haaland's situation is particularly noteworthy. The Norwegian striker scored an almost unbelievable 52 goals in 53 matches for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's team secured the treble of FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League in 2022–23. Despite this, Haaland still finished well behind Messi in that year's Ballon d'Or after the Argentine finally captured the World Cup.

Kane will spearhead England's attempt to claim that trophy from Messi and Argentina next year. The Three Lions captain has continued his incredible scoring streak under his former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel. Approaching England's final World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday afternoon, Kane had accumulated 76 goals in 111 international appearances, just one behind Pelé's tally of 77 in 92 games for Brazil.

The European-focused nature of the Ballon d'Or meant Pelé never received the prestigious award during his playing days, though his legendary status was so respected that France Football presented him with an honorary prize in 2014. When the publication reassessed past candidates from years before the award welcomed players of all backgrounds, Pelé was retrospectively awarded the Ballon d'Or seven times. Given current circumstances, Kane would gladly accept just one such honor.