Matthäus Backs Bayern's Harry Kane as Ballon d'Or Favourite

Lothar Matthäus believes Harry Kane deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, with the former Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder naming the England captain as his clear favourite for the award, set to be handed out next month at the London Palladium.

Kane had a huge season for both club and country during the period the award covers. He scored 61 goals and added 7 assists in 51 appearances for Bayern last season, then carried that form into the World Cup, netting 6 goals and providing an assist as England reached the semi-finals before losing to Argentina.

Matthäus, speaking to Bild TV, made the case for Kane ahead of rivals such as Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Fabián Ruiz.

"For me, Harry Kane is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or," Matthäus said. "Why? German champion, DFB Pokal winner, Champions League semi-finalist, third place at the World Cup. He performed in every single competition, scored goals, was a leader for his teams. He's a difference maker."

Matthäus also pointed to Kane's conduct off the pitch as part of the case for him winning the award.

"His character on and off the pitch is impeccable, for me being a role model is also an important factor in winning the Ballon d'Or," he said.

While acknowledging that other contenders have had big moments and won trophies of their own this year, Matthäus believes Kane stands out when judged across the full season.

"All other nominees won things as well, but when you look at the performance as a whole, Harry Kane is the frontrunner and has a very big chance of winning it," he said. "I'd be happy for him, not because he's a Bayern player, but because he's an excellent ambassador of international football."

Had England gone on to beat Spain in the World Cup final rather than falling to Argentina in the semis, Kane would likely be an even stronger favourite for the award.