Harry Kane went missing in the toughest games he played😭I find it hilarious how Kane scored a consolation goal vs PSG and somehow he had a good game even though he was terrible the entire game.

📍 LONDON! #ballondor

Message from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern's last Ballon d'Or winner, ahead of Monday's ceremony: "On Monday, the football world will turn its attention to London. For the first time, the Ballon d’Or will be awarded there, in Harry Kane’s hometown of all places. He grew up in London, and it was there that his extraordinary career began. I was fortunate enough to win the Ballon d’Or twice myself, so I can perhaps imagine how much it would mean to Harry to receive the award in the very place where it all began for him… If I am asked to explain why Harry Kane deserves the Ballon d’Or, the sporting facts naturally come first: 73 goals in 65 competitive appearances for FC Bayern and the England national team. For the second time in three seasons, Harry won the European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top goalscorer. With Bayern, he won the domestic double of the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, while with England he reached third place at the World Cup - their best finish in sixty (!) years. Absolutely extraordinary numbers. But they are only part of the story. Harry Kane is a completely different footballer today from the one I remember from his time at Tottenham. Back then, you mainly found him in the box - today, he has transformed into a quarterback. How often do we see him in midfield, taking control of the game and picking out Michael Olise or Luis Díaz with a precise long pass? And then, moments later, he is throwing himself into a duel inside his own penalty area. Harry consistently puts his extraordinary abilities at the service of the team. But what truly makes Harry Kane special to me lies beyond all the statistics. The way football is perceived by the public has changed. Top players are no longer simply athletes; they are global personalities, advertising figures and “brands.” The media, social networks and, not least, the public itself are driving this development forward. Attention has become a currency of its own. And sometimes you get the impression that the way a player presents himself has become almost as important as his performance on the pitch. Harry Kane is the antithesis of that. His performances and popularity have long made him a “global brand.” But he has no need to constantly portray himself as one. He does not need grand gestures to demonstrate greatness. He is polite, down-to-earth, free of airs and graces, and treats people as equals. The old saying, “You have to be eleven friends,” has lost none of its meaning with him. Everyone I ask in my family or circle of friends loves Harry Kane. And it is not just because of his goals. Despite all his success, he has retained a wonderful and refreshing sense of normality. He is hardworking, works for the team, knows where he came from and has his heart in the right place. People like him have become rare. Where do we still find them - in sport, in politics, in society? Harry Kane shows that you can be one of the best players in the world without constantly putting yourself at the centre of attention. That you can be ambitious while still being a team player. And that true greatness does not consist of elevating yourself above others. I have won the Ballon d’Or twice myself, and I know the significance this award carries. But I also know that there can be different opinions when it comes to a vote like this. That is part of football, and it has to be respected. My personal decision, however, is clear. It has nothing to do with Harry Kane’s age, but with his performances and his personality. To me, the two go hand in hand. In my eyes, Harry Kane is the best player of the past season. But above all, he is something that goes beyond a single season: a true role model. And perhaps, in the end, that is the greatest accolade a footballer can receive." [@hannalein3, @tzmuenchen]

With the Ballon d’Or ceremony happening this Monday, everyone seems to have Kylian Mbappé as the favourite to win it. Mbappé and Haaland both recorded 58 goal contributions last season. Haaland won 2 trophies, while Mbappé was trophyless. Haaland scored 7 goals at the World Cup with a weak Norway, while Mbappé scored 8 with France. So, looking at the bigger picture, how is Mbappé considered the favourite while Haaland isn’t even part of the conversation?

First half thoughts for Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal Difficult without Kimmich and Olise who are Bayern's two most creative players who also dictate tempo. Even without them, I thought Bayern Munich held their own, especially without Luis Diaz either. Davies pocketed Saka! All jokes aside, hopefully nothing serious for Saka. Immediately went to ground and looked painful though. Thought Havertz was a little lucky not to get a red. On initial review, looked like a high foul on Stanisic. Then again, Fermin Lopez kicked William Pacho in the face yesterday and it wasn't even a foul... Kane took a goal kick and unlocked the entire Arsenal defense. Serge Gnabry MUST do better there. We have to be clinical in our chances. Kane also hit a exquisite 40 yard pass to Saibari. Harry Kane has the best passing range in the world in my opinion. Stanisic's sleeve kept Eze onside 🤣... Really should be better by Stanisic though who is looking directly across the line. Great finish by Eze though. I was a little perplexed seeing Luis Diaz out. Kompany had mentioned that he was struggling against Leipzig towards end of match. I would imagine we'll see Luis Diaz at some point because Stanisic just isn't it. Harry Kane with another assist and has now equaled his entire tally he had last season. CAM version of Harry Kane is going to be so so good. Ballon d'Or soon 🤯. That finish by Alphonso Davies was incredibly composed and the technique was perfect. I really like Davies on the Wing... if we manage Luis Diaz minutes, Davies is an option too. Konsa is lucky to not get a red. Both feet off the ground in a tackle that was incredibly late... Felt Gnabry was trying too hard to score. Quite a few times the pass was the better option. For missing both Kimmich and Olise, I would argue that Bayern Munich were the better side in that half honestly.

🚨BREAKING: Lamine Yamal is currently predicted to LOSE the Ballon d’Or despite winning La Liga and the World Cup Check out the live Ballon d’Or rankings on Polymarket 👇 polymarket.com/r/ballondor20…