Harry Kane hopes Ballon d’Or produces ‘special night’ in hometown

Harry Kane is dreaming of a "special night" at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in his hometown of London, as the England captain stands on the brink of ending his country's 25-year wait for the award.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker scored 73 goals for club and country last season — the second-best single-season mark in history — and is among the favourites to lift the trophy alongside Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe.

Kane strengthened his case on Wednesday by tormenting his old rivals Arsenal in the Champions League, setting up Alphonso Davies' goal, winning and converting a penalty, and extending his record of scoring in each of his past 10 matches in the competition.

"Monday could be a special night. We'll have to wait and see," Kane said. "I try not to think about it too much because we have important games and another one on Sunday. I know it's a massive event. I am looking forward to it for sure. Hopefully, it'll be a special night."

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Kane would deserve the honour, adding: "Now if he can crown his career or his season with the Ballon d'Or, that would be deserved for the work he's done." England team-mate Declan Rice went further, calling Kane "the clear winner", saying: "His numbers speak for themselves."

Michael Owen, in 2001, was the last Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or.