Why Bayern’s Max Eberl Believes Harry Kane Is the Ideal Ballon d’Or Choice

When Bayern Munich’s sporting director Max Eberl sat down for a chat after the German club’s spectacular spring run, he didn’t just praise the team’s collective spirit – he zeroed in on one player who, in his eyes, embodies everything the Ballon d’Or should reward: Harry Kane.

“It’s not just about the numbers,” Eberl said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Kane scores, yes, but he also drops deep, pulls defenders around, creates space for his teammates and never shies away from the hard work.”

The English striker’s 2025/26 campaign has been a textbook example of consistency. He finished the Bundesliga with 30 league goals, added seven assists, and led Bayern to a double – the title and the German Cup. Yet, for Eberl, the magic lies beyond the highlight reel.

“You watch the footage and you see him covering 12 kilometres a game, pressing the back line, holding up the ball for the wingers,” the Bayern executive explained. “That’s the kind of all‑round contribution that the Ballon d’Or should recognise, not just a pure goal‑scorer.”

His praise comes at a time when the award’s conversation has been bubbling with young talent, most notably Barcelona’s 19‑year‑old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who recently hinted that the award should not be decided by raw goal tallies alone. Rather than sparring, Kane chose the diplomatic route, applauding Yamal’s rise and urging fans to let the sport speak for itself.

Max Eberl, however, sees Kane’s composure as a sign of maturity. “Harry has grown into a leader on and off the pitch. He commands the dressing‑room, mentors the younger lads, and his professionalism sets a benchmark,” he added.

While the French star Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembélé and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior are all in the mix, Eberl believes that Kane’s blend of prolific finishing, intelligent movement and self‑less play gives him the edge.

“The Ballon d’Or is about the complete player, the one who lifts the whole team,” he concluded. “If you ask me who ticked every box this season, it’s Harry Kane.”