Rummenigge Backs Harry Kane to Win the Ballon d'Or

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows exactly who he believes should win the Ballon d'Or. The former German football star and current member of Bayern's supervisory board believes Kane deserves the award ahead of Olise and is confident that both players will remain at the Bavarian club for many years to come.

Rummenigge Has a Clear Favorite for the Ballon d'Or

Bayern Munich has plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming Ballon d'Or. After several years without one of its players winning the prestigious individual award, the German club once again has footballers among the leading contenders.

And few people understand what it means to win the award while representing Bayern Munich better than Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The former German striker, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1980 and 1981, said he would love to see another Bayern Munich player follow in his footsteps. However, although he praised the qualities of both Harry Kane and Michael Olise, he admitted to having a favorite.

In comments reported by German outlet ran, Rummenigge explained that individual performances should play a decisive role in determining the winner and that, by that standard, the English striker has a strong case for claiming the award.

For the Bayern executive, Kane's goals and trophies speak for themselves.

Harry Kane's Numbers Strengthen His Ballon d'Or Case

Harry Kane enjoyed an extraordinary 2025-26 season.

The England striker finished the campaign with 61 goals in 51 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich, highlighting his importance to the team managed by Vincent Kompany.

Of those goals, 36 came in the Bundesliga, enough to secure his second European Golden Shoe as the leading goalscorer across Europe's domestic leagues.

The striker was also instrumental in helping the Bavarian side win both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, completing a domestic double.

His impressive form carried over into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals for England and helped his national team reach the semifinals.

Those numbers help explain why Rummenigge believes the striker has an advantage over his rivals in the race for the award.

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Michael Olise Is Also Chasing History

Although Kane is his preferred candidate, Rummenigge also took the opportunity to recognize the exceptional performances of Michael Olise.

The French winger has become one of Bayern Munich's most influential players since arriving from Crystal Palace in 2024.

During the previous season, he recorded 22 goals and 26 assists in 52 competitive appearances, establishing himself as one of the most productive attacking players in European football.

His performances for France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup also strengthened his candidacy after he finished the tournament as the leading provider of assists, with seven.

Bayern Munich has four players nominated for the Ballon d'Or: Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, and Dayot Upamecano.

Bayern Munich Wants to Secure the Futures of Its Two Stars

Beyond individual awards, Rummenigge also discussed the futures of the club's two leading attacking players.

The executive said both Kane and Olise intend to remain at Bayern Munich for many years, expressing optimism about their respective contract situations.

The English striker is under contract until June 30, 2027, while the Frenchman's current deal runs through June 2029.

According to information published by ran, Rummenigge is confident that Kane will soon reach an agreement to extend his stay in Germany and hopes Olise will follow a similar path.

Sporting director Max Eberl has described discussions with the English striker's representatives as positive, although no official announcement regarding a contract extension has been made.

According to Sky Sport Germany, one possibility under consideration is extending Kane's contract until 2029.

The message from the club's leadership is clear: Bayern Munich wants to keep its best players and continue building a squad capable of competing for every major trophy.

Rummenigge Dreams of Another Ballon d'Or for Bayern

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes Harry Kane deserves to win the Ballon d'Or because of his individual performances, goals, and trophies.
The English striker scored 61 goals in 51 appearances during the 2025-26 season, while Michael Olise recorded 22 goals and 26 assists.
Bayern Munich is confident about extending Kane's contract, which expires in 2027, while keeping Olise, who is tied to the club until 2029.