Rummenigge on how Bayern "role model" Kane deserves Ballon d'Or glory
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Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is of the opinion that Harry Kane deserves to win the Ballon d'Or this year.
"Harry scored a total of 73 goals for Bayern and England last season - only Lionel Messi was more successful in a single year this millennium. That is the benchmark.
“Strikers often win this award. I also asked AI about it. The answer was: Harry has a 68% probability of winning. Let’s hope that’s how it turns out,” he explained to Abendzeitung.
Rummenigge touched on just how much it would mean for the Bavarian giants to have a Ballon d'Or winner in their ranks and discussed the competition the Englishman is facing.
"It's been a long time since a Bayern player won the Ballon d’Or. It has been more than four decades since my two awards in 1980 and 1981.
"That's why such an achievement would have a very special significance today - not only for the player, but for the entire FC Bayern.
"Harry is a huge role model for the team and especially for the younger players. He has this incredible goal-scoring record, which is outstanding.
"He plays passes to the left and right as if they had been drawn with a ruler, precise to the millimetre. He has developed even further as a footballer.
"And Harry is a special person. Fans have a sensitive instinct for people. It is no coincidence that they love Harry.
"Mbappé and Yamal? They are both, of course, great players. But I definitely think Harry’s somewhat introverted personality is more appealing.
"It also reflects his character, because Harry lets his goals, performances and titles speak for themselves, something he has fortunately been doing for the past two years.
“The most important criterion for the Ballon d’Or is individual performance, and in that regard, Harry has the edge,” said Rummenigge.
The outcome of the 2026 Ballon d'Or – the award's 70th edition – will be decided in London's Palladium Theatre on 26 October at 21:00 CET.
