Former German striker Jurgen Klinsmann believes that Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane should be considered a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award for the world’s best male footballer.
Klinsmann, a 1990 World Cup winner, emphasized that while Kane’s talent is undeniable, a deep run in the Champions League is essential to boost his chances. Bayern Munich plays Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, Klinsmann told reporters, “If you go at least into the final four, probably if you win the Champions League, it kind of comes along.”
He drew parallels between his career and Kane’s, noting that both players moved from Tottenham to Bayern in pursuit of titles. “He had a similar situation to what I had at a club level. Until I left Spurs and went to Bayern, I didn’t have a club title yet,” Klinsmann explained.
With Bayern leading the Bundesliga, Kane is on track to win his first major trophy.
Klinsmann, who finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting in 1995, humorously attributed his near-miss to timing, as the award had just been opened to non-European players. George Weah won that year, becoming the first African to do so.
Manchester City’s Rodri is the current Ballon d’Or holder, and the next award will be presented in the autumn.
