Kane strengthens Ballon d’Or case with goal and assist against Arsenal

Harry Kane’s goal and creative display in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal have strengthened his case for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the award winner due to be announced on Monday.

The England captain scored from the penalty spot after setting up Alphonso Davies with a pass that BBC Sport described as bending around Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber. Declan Rice’s late equaliser secured a draw for Arsenal.

Kane also took a Bayern goal-kick before launching an 80-yard pass upfield. The move nearly led to a goal, and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said the freedom Kane has at Bayern allowed him to roam and create.

Rice, who plays with Kane for England and faced him for Arsenal, called him “ridiculous” and said his numbers spoke for themselves. Kane has scored in 10 consecutive Champions League matches, matching a feat achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in 11 straight games for Real Madrid from 2017 to 2018.

The 33-year-old has scored 156 goals in 158 appearances for Bayern since joining from Tottenham in 2023. He is among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or alongside Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and current holder Ousmane Dembele of Paris St-Germain. Kane was named on the 30-player shortlist in September; an international jury of 100 journalists will choose the winner.

Kane said winning would be “amazing”, but added that voting had closed and he would have to wait for the result.