Robbie Fowler Says Kane's Ballon d’Or Bid Not Dependent on World Cup Win

Harry Kane’s pursuit of the 2026 Ballon d’Or does not hinge on winning the World Cup with England, according to Robbie Fowler. Fowler highlighted Kane’s impressive goal-scoring achievements at Bayern Munich as justification for his inclusion in the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Kane, Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time leading scorer, has netted 78 goals for England and aims to reach 100 international goals. This milestone would place him alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive group of players with a century of international goals. Additionally, Kane seeks to surpass England’s record for most appearances, currently set at 125 caps.

As England’s captain, Kane is expected to lead the team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Many anticipate he could secure a second Golden Boot at the tournament, potentially guiding England to their first major international trophy in 60 years. This season, Kane has already won a second Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals across 51 matches in all competitions.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or Prospects Without World Cup Victory

Fowler, speaking exclusively to GOAL through BetMGM, addressed whether Kane needs a World Cup win to claim the Ballon d’Or after missing out on Champions League success. He said, “Not necessarily. I think from an individual point of view, of course, that would be brilliant. I think with Harry Kane, his record's proven. He's gone over to Germany and probably surpassed many people's expectations about just how well he'll do over there.”

Fowler added, “When you're looking at the Ballon d'Or and you're thinking of the great players, he's got to get that mention. He's got to be up there with the very best because of his record. I don't think winning the World Cup will have any influence on any decision. In all fairness, I think he's proven already.”

He continued, “He's not won the Champions League this year. He's obviously won the Bundesliga and he's been tremendous in terms of goals and performances. But I'm not sure whether winning the World Cup will give him that extra step if you like to win that because I think he's proven already. To me, that doesn't indicate, ‘let's give him the Ballon d'Or because he won the World Cup’. His record's been brilliant anyway. He should be in the conversation.”

Fowler also noted other contenders, saying, “He probably is the pick in terms of the goals. You look at the young lad, [Lamine] Yamal, who's been tremendous. You've got [Ousmane] Dembele, who's obviously on the back of double Champions Leagues and he'll get mentioned again. But, why wouldn't Harry Kane get mentioned because his goals have been tremendous.”

Kane’s Own Views on World Cup and Ballon d’Or

Kane has openly expressed his ambition to join Ronaldo and Messi as a Ballon d’Or winner. He acknowledged that winning the World Cup would significantly boost his chances. The 32-year-old striker stated, “I’d be one of the favorites, definitely. Given the trophies I’ve won this season and the number of goals I’ve scored, I’d be in the running. Especially as, should England win the World Cup, one could imagine the trophy going to an English player.”

English Players and the Ballon d’Or

Michael Owen remains the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or, achieving the honor in 2001. Kane is not the sole English candidate for the 2026 award; Declan Rice, who recently helped Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years, is also considered a contender. Additionally, Jude Bellingham, currently with Real Madrid, is viewed as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.