What does Bayern Munich star Harry Kane need to do win the Ballon d’Or this year?

TL;DR

Harry Kane needs to maintain exceptional performance and lead Bayern Munich to success in the UEFA Champions League to win the Ballon d'Or this year. Additionally, standout performances for England in the World Cup could enhance his candidacy.

Key points

Harry Kane has 51 goals and six assists this season.
Winning the UEFA Champions League is essential for his Ballon d'Or chances.
International success with England could enhance his candidacy.

Bayern MunichUEFA Champions LeagueEngland national team

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 19: Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen celebrates as he scores the goal 4:1 during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on April 19, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images) | Getty Images For all of Bayern Munich’s dominance domestically, the path to the Ballon d’Or almost always runs through bigger stages and brighter lights. For Harry Kane, the equation is fairly simple in theory, but incredibly difficult in practice — combine overwhelming individual production with undeniable team success, especially in Europe. First, the numbers must be absurd (and they are — Kane has 51 goals and six assists in 46 games across all competitions this season). Kane is already one of the most complete forwards in world football, but Ballon d’Or campaigns demand statistical separation. It is not just about scoring, though, it is about being the central force in everything Bayern Munich does in attack. Voters tend to reward players who feel inevitable, and Kane needs to continue to show that for the rest of the season, game in and game out. Second, silverware is non-negotiable. Winning the Bundesliga probably does not move the needle much on its own. The real swing factor is the UEFA Champions League. If Kane leads Bayern Munich to a Champions League title — especially with decisive performances in the knockout rounds, his case strengthens dramatically. Iconic moments matter — late winners, dominant displays against elite clubs, and a visible imprint on the biggest matches. Third, international impact could be a differentiator. If Kane delivers standout performances for in the World Cup, it adds narrative weight. The Ballon d’Or is not just about data; it is about storylines, and international success often resonates with voters. Finally, Kane must outshine the competition. Players like , , and others will also put up huge numbers. To separate himself, Kane needs signature performances in the biggest games — the kind that linger in voters’ minds when ballots are cast. In short, if Harry Kane wants the Ballon d’Or, he must pair elite consistency with unforgettable moments on football’s grandest stages. So what do you say— what does Kane need to do to win the Ballon d’Or? A double? A treble? A World Cup? All of the above? Tell us in the comments below! *If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on , , , or any leading podcast distributor…*

Q&A

What statistics does Harry Kane need to achieve to win the Ballon d'Or?

Kane needs to maintain absurd statistics, ideally exceeding his current tally of 51 goals and six assists in 46 games, while being a central force in Bayern Munich's attack.

How important is the UEFA Champions League for Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or chances?

Winning the UEFA Champions League is crucial for Kane; decisive performances in knockout rounds can significantly strengthen his case for the Ballon d'Or.

What role does international performance play in Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or bid?

Standout performances for the England national team in the World Cup can add narrative weight to Kane's Ballon d'Or candidacy, making his international impact a key factor.