According to Emmanuel Petit, Harry Kane does not deserve the Ballon d'Or due to his underwhelming performances in big matches for both Bayern Munich and England.
Harry Kane is “loved” at Bayern Munich, but Dietmar Hamann has told GOAL what the England captain needs in order to join the likes of Oliver Kahn, Franz Beckenbauer, Robert Lewandowski and Franck Ribery on the club’s list of legends. The signing of a new contract at the Allianz Arena will aid that cause, with fresh terms expected to be thrashed out imminently.
Harry Kane has been urged to consider an emotional return to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the England captain continues to shine for Bayern Munich. With his contract in Germany running until 2027, the 33-year-old striker has been publicly called upon to return to North London and complete his legacy by breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League goal record.
Bayern Munich have begun their search for a long-term successor to Harry Kane, shifting their focus towards the Premier League. The German heavyweights are keen to secure a formidable forward capable of eventually filling the massive void that will be left by their prolific goalscorer, sparking fears of a major transfer battle in the near future.
Harry Kane is reportedly ready to commit his long-term future to Bayern Munich, with club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirming that both parties are eager to agree on a contract extension. The England captain has enjoyed a sensational spell in Germany since his arrival from Tottenham, cementing his status as one of the world's most clinical finishers.
Harry Kane is reportedly prepared to commit his long-term future to Bayern Munich, with the German giants planning to offer the England captain a contract extension once he returns from his post-World Cup break. Despite being 33 years old, the prolific forward remains the cornerstone of the club's sporting project and is open to adapting his game to prolong his career at the highest level.
Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has warned Jamal Musiala that there are "no more excuses" as he battles to reclaim his starting place under Vincent Kompany. The 23-year-old playmaker missed the first half of last season following a severe ankle dislocation and fibula fracture, but now faces intense competition from an in-form frontline.
France and Premier League legend Emmanuel Petit has brutally crushed Harry Kane’s hopes of winning the Ballon d'Or, claiming the striker "disappeared" when things got tough for both club and country. The former midfielder argued that despite Kane's heavy goalscoring metrics in Germany, his failure to show up in the critical knockout matches of the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup leaves him trailing behind Europe's elite.
Bayern Munich are set to open formal discussions with Harry Kane regarding a contract extension, with the England captain entering the final year of his current deal. The 32-year-old striker is aware of the German champions' intention to secure his long-term future, as he remains fully settled in Munich following a prolific stint in Germany.
Przemyslaw Frankowski has lauded former team-mate Victor Osimhen as one of the finest strikers on the planet, placing the Nigeria international in the same bracket as Erling Haaland and Harry Kane. The Stade Rennais man, who shared a dressing room with the Super Eagles star in Turkey, believes the forward’s relentless ambition sets him apart from the rest of the elite pack.
With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Harry Kane has confessed that the England squad remains in a "grieving stage" following their heartbreaking semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a first global final in 60 years, the Three Lions captain has offered his full support to manager Thomas Tuchel.
The 2026 World Cup has reached its conclusion, with Spain emerging triumphant as they captured another global title. A memorable tournament in North America saw superstar performers from every corner of the planet take centre stage. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham all illuminated proceedings, but Rodri signed off with the best player prize.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.