Michael Owen Backs Harry Kane for 2026 Ballon d’Or Race
Former Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen believes Harry Kane has a strong chance to win the 2026 award if Bayern Munich lifts the Champions League and England enjoys a solid World Cup.
Kane has been outstanding this season with 33 Bundesliga goals, 5 assists, plus 13 Champions League goals and 2 assists for Bayern.
As the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or begins to heat up, former England striker Michael Owen has backed Harry Kane as a genuine contender to win football’s biggest individual prize. Owen believes Kane has a strong chance if Bayern Munich lifts the UEFA Champions League and England enjoys a successful FIFA World Cup campaign later this year.
Owen knows exactly what it takes to win the award, having claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2001 after a remarkable season with Liverpool F.C. That year, he helped the club secure 5 trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, while beating stars like Raúl and Oliver Kahn to the honor.
He remains one of only 4 English players to ever win the Ballon d’Or, alongside Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan. Kane’s numbers this season make Owen’s claim understandable. The 32-year-old has scored 33 Bundesliga goals with 5 assists, while also netting 13 times in the Champions League with 2 assists. Kane is also preparing to captain England at his 3rd straight World Cup under coach Thomas Tuchel.