Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has expressed that he would swap his Ballon d'Or trophy for a Champions League winner's medal, emphasizing the importance of team success.
Kane, who became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the prestigious accolade, beating out competition from Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, shared his feelings ahead of Bayern's Champions League fixture. "Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important," Kane told a news conference. "The Ballon d'Or last week was one of the best feelings I've had in my life and my career. But to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club - to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling."
When presented with the choice between lifting the European Cup and the Ballon d'Or, Kane unequivocally chose the Champions League. "I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both - let's see what happens," he said. "The Ballon d'Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well."
Kane was honored at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in London, joining an elite group of Englishmen to have won the award, including Michael Owen, Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Kevin Keegan. Bayern Munich and its supporters also paid tribute to Kane before a recent match against Borussia Dortmund. The club had not celebrated a Ballon d'Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.
Kane described the period since the celebrations as a "rollercoaster." "It was a huge high for me, but also for the club. It was one of the best feelings I've ever had in my life, without a doubt. But we've had some lows and a lot of extremes we've had to deal with. It's brought us closer together and we fight for every moment."
Regarding his contract situation, Kane indicated that significant progress has been made with Bayern Munich. "A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out and we are happy with," he stated. "But in every contract there are loads of little things that go into it, small details that in the end the lawyers have to thrash out and figure out. So all in all I would say it is more days than weeks. From what I have heard, the conversations have gone well again today. Hopefully we will be in a place to do something within the next few days."
Bayern's preparations have also been affected by the absence of head coach Vincent Kompany, who was hospitalized after collapsing during a training session in October. Kompany was discharged later that month and is continuing his recovery. Kane acknowledged the challenge of operating without the head coach but expressed confidence in the squad's ability to cope. "We're missing our coach, but everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves and there's a long way to go," he added.