Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says he would swap his Ballon d'Or trophy for a Champions League winner's medal. The 33-year-old England captain became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the award, beating Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Speaking before Bayern's Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid, Kane emphasized that team trophies are the ultimate goal. "Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important," he said. "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." When asked to choose between the European Cup and the Ballon d'Or, Kane replied: "I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both - let's see what happens."
Contract Extension Imminent
Kane also revealed he is "extremely close" to signing a new contract with Bayern, with the deal expected to be finalized "within the next few days." The striker joined Bayern from Tottenham for £86.4 million (100 million euros) in August 2023 and scored 73 goals for club and country last season, helping the Bavarian side secure a domestic treble. "A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out and we are happy with it," Kane said. "But in every contract there are loads of little things that go into it, small details that in the end the lawyers have to thrash out and figure out. So all in all I would say it is more days than weeks."
Kompany Absence
Bayern's preparations have been affected by the absence of head coach Vincent Kompany, who collapsed during a training session with the reserve team on 23 October and was hospitalized for five days. Kompany has been discharged but no definitive return date has been set. Assistant coach Aaron Danks has overseen first-team duties in the interim. Kane acknowledged the challenge but insisted the squad is coping well. "We're missing our coach, but everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves and there's a long way to go," he added.
