'He'll always be in the running' - England icon backing Harry Kane to win Ballon d'Or & suggests Champions League crown gives Bayern Munich star best chance at prestigious award

Kane has been in sensational form since arriving in Bavaria. The 31-year-old has already amassed an incredible 32 goals and 11 assists in just 37 appearances across all competitions, making him one of the most prolific forwards in Europe. His contributions have propelled Bayern to the top of the Bundesliga while also securing their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The prestigious Ballon d’Or award has not been won by an English player since Michael Owen in 2001. However, Heskey believes Kane has the credentials to end that long wait, provided he tastes European success in the summer.

Speaking to BetVictor, Heskey said: "I can see Harry Kane winning the Ballon d’Or this year, 100%. With Kane, you always know you're going to get goals. It's great to see that he’s likely to win a trophy this year too, at least the Bundesliga, which will only help his Ballon d’Or case and put him in the running.

"We’ll have to wait and see whether that tips things in his favour enough for him to actually win the award, but he’ll always be in the running when he’s scoring goals at the rate that he does. A Bundesliga and Champions League double would definitely put in him contention for the Ballon d’Or.”

One of the biggest criticisms of Kane throughout his career has been his lack of major silverware. Despite being one of the most consistent goal-scorers in world football, he has yet to win a major club trophy, having narrowly missed out on titles during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

That narrative is set to change this season, with Bayern on course to win the Bundesliga as they currently hold a six-point lead at the top. However, the Champions League title would be the ultimate achievement - one that could make a huge difference in Ballon d’Or voting. Should Bayern claim their seventh European Cup, Kane’s individual brilliance combined with historic team success could be the exact formula needed to land him football’s most prestigious individual accolade.