Harry Kane is among the top contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The FC Bayern striker has long since earned his place among the candidates for the prestigious award thanks to his outstanding performances. Now, the 33-year-old is receiving prominent support from within his own ranks. After the 2-2 draw against Arsenal, coach Vincent Kompany made it clear that he considers his striker a worthy winner—and that he no longer intends to hold back once voting closes.

Kane had once again demonstrated his class in the Champions League showdown against his former London rival. The Englishman set up Alphonso Davies’s equalizer with a spectacular assist and put Munich ahead 2-1 in the second half with a penalty kick.

But it’s not just his goal-scoring threat that makes Kane so valuable to Bayern Munich. The forward also plays a central role in Kompany’s system away from the opponent’s penalty area.

“I don’t have to hold back anymore”

After the draw against Arsenal, Kompany was asked about his striker’s Ballon d’Or chances.

The Belgian made it clear that, now that the voting has concluded, he no longer feels obligated to make diplomatic statements. “Now that the voting is over, I no longer have to hold back or be diplomatic,” explained the 40-year-old.

Kompany then highlighted the English international’s development as a player and his first title wins with FC Bayern. “What has made Harry happiest in recent years is that he’s finally won his first team titles here.”

For Kane, these successes were particularly significant. Despite his extraordinary goal-scoring rate, the former Tottenham star had long had to wait for a major team title.

In Munich, he was finally able to put that personal shortcoming behind him. Now, the Ballon d’Or could be the next major award to follow.

Kompany praises Kane’s playing style

Kompany cited, above all, the extraordinary contribution Kane makes to the entire team as the reason for his support.

“If he can now cap off his career or his season with the Ballon d’Or, it would be well-deserved given the way he plays for the team.”

In fact, under Kompany, Kane has long since evolved into much more than a traditional center forward.

The Englishman regularly drops back into midfield, helps build up play, and works hard off the ball. At the same time, he remains one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers in front of the opponent’s goal.

This versatility was also on display against Arsenal. Kane repeatedly dropped deep into his own half, supported the defense, and made decisive contributions on offense.

With his comments, Kompany makes it clear that he doesn’t base his assessment of his striker solely on goals and assists.

Whether Kane will actually be awarded the Ballon d’Or will be decided at the awards ceremony on October 26.

For his coach, at any rate, one thing is certain: The Bayern striker would deserve the award not only because of his individual talent, but above all because of his extraordinary importance to the team.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/22/keine-diplomatie-mehr-kompany-fordert-ballon-dor-fuer-harry-kane/.