Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen says a large club delegation will travel to London for Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the German club hopeful that Harry Kane will receive football’s most prestigious individual award.
Dreesen said Bayern would be “extremely happy” if Kane won the prize, praising the England striker’s performances for both club and country.
“Harry breaks records year after year, but his 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England carry particular importance this time,” Dreesen said.
He described Kane as a “striker with 360-degree vision”, explaining that the forward sees the whole pitch, works tirelessly and helps his team-mates produce better performances.
In comments reported by German newspaper Merkur, Dreesen said Kane had continued to develop his style of play and had helped change the way the entire Bayern team performed. He also portrayed the striker as a global star whose humility and sophistication made him an outstanding role model on and off the pitch.
Kane is not the only Bayern player to have earned praise from Dreesen. The club chief executive also highlighted Michael Olise, saying the Frenchman deserved his place among the nominees and would win the Ballon d’Or one day.
Dreesen said Bayern’s strong representation among the nominees recognised an exceptional season. Four Bayern players have been included on the shortlist for the first time in 10 years.
Vincent Kompany has also been nominated among the world’s best coaches, while Bayern’s women’s and men’s teams are both in contention for the award for the best club. It is the first time the two Bayern teams have been nominated in that category.
“We will travel to London with great humility, hoping to celebrate winning one or two awards,” Dreesen said.
Kane, who is listed as 33 years old by the source, would become the first Bayern Munich player to win the Ballon d’Or since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981 if he is successful.
The ceremony is due to take place in London on Monday.
