Harry Kane may have recently been crowned the world’s best player with his first Ballon d’Or, but the Bayern Munich striker says he’d gladly trade the individual honor for Champions League success with his team.
Speaking ahead of Bayern’s clash with Atletico Madrid, Kane—who beat out Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal for the award—reflected on what truly motivates him as a player. “Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect is really, really important,” he told reporters in Madrid. “The Ballon d’Or last week was one of the best feelings I’ve had … but to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling.”
Kane stressed that, while the Ballon d’Or marks a major career milestone, nothing compares to celebrating with teammates after winning the sport’s biggest team prizes. “Of course the Ballon d’Or is a highlight … but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, that feeling of emotion with your teammates. I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both—let’s see what happens.”
Praised by Atletico boss Diego Simeone as an “incredible player,” Kane also revealed that he is “extremely close” to signing a new contract with Bayern Munich, with the announcement expected within days.
As Bayern prepare to face Atletico at the Metropolitano—the site of Kane’s defeat with Tottenham in the 2019 Champions League final—he’s focused on making new memories. “I have a chance and we have a chance to erase that painful memory from 2019 for sure … just take the next opportunity,” Kane said.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks also confirmed that Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer are available for the match as manager Vincent Kompany continues his recovery from illness.
