Securing the Ballon d’Or is set to play a pivotal role in convincing Harry Kane to commit his future to Bayern Munich, according to German football icon Lothar Matthaus. On Monday, the 33-year-old England captain made history by becoming the first English recipient of the sport’s most prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
Kane’s remarkable output last season saw him net 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, fueling Bayern’s successful campaign to secure a domestic league and cup double. His international contributions were equally significant, as he helped guide England to the World Cup semifinals, contributing six goals throughout the tournament.
Matthaus, who claimed the Ballon d’Or in 1990 after steering Germany to a World Cup title, praised Kane’s impact during an online media roundtable. He described the striker as an international ambassador for the game, noting that joining a prestigious club like Bayern provided the ideal environment for such achievements. Matthaus emphasized that Kane has found a sense of professional stability in Munich, surrounded by teammates who complement his playing style.
Since his high-profile 100-million-euro ($111m) transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, Kane has secured two league titles and is currently engaged in discussions regarding a new contract. While joking about the financial incentives associated with the award—noting that he received no such bonus in his own era—Matthaus insisted the motivation goes beyond salary. He suggested the current climate creates the perfect moment for the striker to commit to the club for several more seasons, citing the mutually beneficial relationship that helped facilitate his path to the Ballon d’Or. Bayern Munich currently leads the Bundesliga table and prepares for a German Cup second-round clash against Magdeburg on Wednesday. “I think he gets a bonus (for winning the Ballon d’Or); 36 years ago I got nothing,” Matthaus said. “But it is about more than money.
