Ballon d'Or Triumph Could Convince Harry Kane to Extend Bayern Munich Stay, Suggests Lothar Matthaus

Winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or award could be the catalyst that persuades Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to extend his contract with the German champions, according to former World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus. Kane made history on Monday by becoming the first Englishman to claim the sport's top individual honour since Michael Owen in 2001. The England captain enjoyed a remarkably prolific season, netting 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, contributing to the club's domestic league and cup double. He also played a key role in England's run to the World Cup semifinals, scoring six goals in the tournament.

"We are very happy to have Harry Kane in the Bundesliga. He is an international ambassador of football," Matthaus commented during an online media roundtable. Matthaus, who himself won the Ballon d'Or in 1990 after captaining Germany to World Cup victory, added, "Maybe he was dreaming to win the Ballon d’Or … but you have to play in a big club like Bayern. He found his peace in Munich and the right club with the right teammates."

Kane, 33, transferred to Bayern in 2023 from his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of 100 million euros ($111 million), seeking to win major silverware. He has since secured two league titles with Bayern and is currently in discussions with the club regarding a new contract.

"I think he gets a bonus (for winning the Ballon d’Or); 36 years ago I got nothing," Matthaus remarked. "But it is about more than money. It is a good moment to sign (a new deal) for Bayern. Bayern helped him get this Ballon d’Or. The relationship between Harry Kane and Bayern Munich is perfect, and with everything that has happened in the last three years, I think Harry will sign his contract for the next two, three years."

Bayern Munich, currently leading the Bundesliga standings, is scheduled to face Magdeburg on Wednesday in the German Cup second round.