Michael Owen and Harry Kane: Major Trophies Essential for Ballon d'Or Win

09 January 2026at12:20

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes that Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane, who had scored 30 goals by January, would need an exceptional World Cup performance to win the Ballon d'Or.

Owen stated, "I use the phrase perfect storm. The Ballon d'Or is a perfect storm scenario, you need to have an exceptional season yourself and be in an exceptional team – or at least a winning team. All that helps and gives you a massive advantage."

He added, "In a World Cup year, so much depends on who wins the World Cup. That will carry huge, huge weight."

Kane concurred with this sentiment, saying, "I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don't win the Champions League or the World Cup, I probably won't win the Ballon d'Or." He emphasized, "You have to win those big trophies."

Kane aims to be the first English player to win the Ballon d'Or since Owen himself.

Q&A

Why do Michael Owen and Harry Kane believe major trophies are essential for winning the Ballon d'Or?

Both Owen and Kane assert that individual brilliance must be coupled with winning top team competitions, such as the World Cup or Champions League, to create the 'perfect storm' needed for a Ballon d'Or victory.

What criteria does Harry Kane consider vital for a Ballon d'Or win, according to his own statements?

Harry Kane emphasizes that winning major trophies like the Champions League or the World Cup is paramount, suggesting that even a high goal tally wouldn't suffice without these significant team achievements.

Michael Owen and Harry Kane: Major Trophies Essential for Ballon d'Or Win

Q&A

Why do Michael Owen and Harry Kane believe major trophies are essential for winning the Ballon d'Or?

What criteria does Harry Kane consider vital for a Ballon d'Or win, according to his own statements?

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