In a recent exclusive interview, Teddy Sheringham, the legendary former Tottenham Hotspur striker, shared his insights on the ongoing Ballon d'Or race, notably expressing skepticism about Harry Kane's chances of winning the prestigious award. Despite Kane's remarkable performance in the past season with Bayern Munich, where he netted an impressive 61 goals across all competitions, Sheringham believes there are players more deserving of the accolade, particularly highlighting the impact of the World Cup.
Harry Kane, now 33 years old, has been in sensational form since joining Bayern Munich, contributing significantly to their success in the Bundesliga. His tally of 36 goals in just 31 league matches played a pivotal role in securing Bayern's second consecutive league title. Additionally, Kane's contributions helped elevate the England national team, making them a formidable presence at the recent World Cup, where they ultimately finished third after defeating France in the third-place playoff.
Despite Kane's stellar season, Sheringham pointed to Rodri as a more suitable candidate for the Ballon d'Or. He remarked, “There’s not an obvious favorite for the Ballon d’Or, but I would think you have to be winning Champions Leagues, World Cups, or Euros whenever they’re about to be in that conversation. I’m sure Kane will be in the top five, no doubt about that, but I can’t see him winning it. I think someone like Rodri has been spoken of very highly and was exceptional again in the World Cup every time he was on the football pitch.”
Sheringham's comments underscore the competitive nature of the Ballon d'Or, where individual accolades are often overshadowed by team success in major tournaments. He acknowledged Kane's outstanding season but emphasized the importance of winning significant titles to be in contention for the award.
In addition to discussing the Ballon d'Or, Sheringham expressed confidence in Kane's longevity in professional football. He noted that despite past injury concerns, particularly during Kane's mid-20s when he struggled with ankle issues, the striker has shown resilience and fitness in recent years. “I can see Kane playing into his 40s. He had a few injuries when he was around 26 or 27, when he had those ankle problems. Everyone was looking at him and wondering, ‘Has he got glass ankles?’ and whether he’d be okay in the long run,” Sheringham stated. “But he’s obviously had them mended and looked at properly for his longevity, and he’s enjoying that now. He looks fit and strong, and long may that continue.”
Sheringham also commented on Kane's future at Bayern Munich, suggesting that the striker could potentially finish his career at the club. With many players exploring lucrative offers in leagues like Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer as they age, Sheringham believes Kane's competitive spirit will keep him in Europe. “He’s playing his best football, scoring 60 goals in a season last year, you can’t get much better than that. At this moment in time, I think he likes pitting himself against the best in the world, and there’s no better place to do that than Bayern,” he concluded.
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