Harry Kane has made his priorities clear after winning the Ballon d'Or, insisting that Champions League glory with Bayern Munich would mean even more than individual recognition. Speaking ahead of their clash against Atletico Madrid, the striker also shared an update on his contract negotiations and reflected on his painful 2019 Champions League final defeat at the Metropolitano.
Key Highlights:
- Harry Kane says he would choose winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich over individual Ballon d'Or recognition.
- The England captain thanked Diego Simeone for his praise ahead of Bayern's Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.
- Kane revealed that he is extremely close to agreeing a new Bayern Munich contract, with an announcement potentially just days away.
- The striker hopes to erase the painful memories of his 2019 Champions League final defeat at the Metropolitano by returning to the stadium for this season's final.
Kane Prioritises Team Trophies Over Individual Accolades
Despite recently winning the Ballon d'Or and beating several leading contenders, including Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane remains focused on achieving greater success with Bayern Munich.
Speaking to reporters in Madrid ahead of the Atletico Madrid encounter, the 33-year-old stressed that collective achievements are what make football special, highlighting his ambition to win major trophies with the Bavarian club.
"Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important," Kane explained.
The England international described winning the Ballon d'Or last week as one of the greatest moments of his career. However, he believes sharing the excitement of lifting the Champions League trophy with his teammates would be an equally special experience.
"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.
"Of course 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. I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both, let's see what happens."
Kane Thanks Simeone for Ballon d'Or Praise
Kane also responded to the positive comments from Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, who previously described the Bayern forward as an incredible player deserving of the Ballon d'Or. The striker expressed his appreciation for the Argentine coach, acknowledging his standing among the leading managers in modern football.
"I'd like to thank Simeone, who is one of the best coaches of this era. I'm proud to receive praise from someone like him," Kane said.
Reflecting on his journey to the top of world football, Kane admitted that his career had involved overcoming plenty of challenges, particularly when some doubted how far he could progress.
"Winning the Ballon d'Or was a huge achievement for me- I've had to overcome many challenges in my career, some people didn't think I'd get this far... but Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow."
Bayern Munich Contract Extension Close to Completion
Away from the Champions League preparations, Kane also delivered encouraging news regarding his future at Bayern Munich. The striker confirmed that negotiations over a new contract are progressing well, suggesting that both parties are approaching an agreement.
"I'd say it's more days (than weeks)... we're extremely close now," he revealed.
Kane's current contract with Bayern is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2027, but his latest comments suggest that an extension could be finalised in the near future. The update will come as a major boost for Bayern, with the England international continuing to play a central role in the club's ambitions across domestic and European competitions.
Kane Eyes Chance to Erase Painful 2019 Champions League Final Memory
Bayern's visit to Atletico Madrid carries additional significance for Kane, as the Metropolitano was where he experienced one of the most disappointing moments of his career. In 2019, Kane suffered Champions League final heartbreak at the stadium while representing Tottenham Hotspur, losing to Liverpool in the Madrid showdown.
With this season's Champions League final also scheduled to take place at the Metropolitano, the striker believes he has an opportunity to create a happier memory at the same venue.
"You have good memories in stadiums, sometimes you don't -- hopefully we can have a good memory tomorrow," Kane said.
He also pointed out that he will return to the stadium with England for their upcoming meeting against Spain before potentially coming back again for the Champions League final later in the season.
"So I have a chance and we have a chance to erase that painful memory from 2019 for sure, and that's what you can do in life and football, just take the next opportunity."
For Kane, the prospect of returning to the Metropolitano for the Champions League final offers another opportunity to turn past disappointment into a career-defining triumph.
.jpg)
