'Team trophies are why we play football': Kane puts Champions League above Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane says he would swap his Ballon d’Or for the Champions League, speaking in Madrid on Monday before Bayern Munich face Atletico Madrid.

The 33-year-old won the award last week ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

“Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important.”

Asked to choose between the two honours, he did not hesitate, though he still hopes to win both.

“I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both. Let’s see what happens.”

The Metropolitano brings mixed memories. Kane lost the 2019 final there with Tottenham against Liverpool, and the ground hosts this season’s final, with England also playing Spain there next week.

“So I have a chance and we have a chance to erase that painful memory from 2019 for sure, and that’s what you can do in life and football, just take the next opportunity.”

Atletico coach Diego Simeone had called Kane an “incredible player” and “very good for football”, and Kane returned the respect.

“I’m proud to receive praise from someone like him... Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow.”

Bayern arrive with one win from their first three league phase games, having drawn with Arsenal and Viking. Ismael Saibari, who is having surgery, and Serge Gnabry are out after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dortmund, as are Jamal Musiala and Luis Diaz.

Coach Vincent Kompany collapsed in training three days before Kane’s award and spent five days in hospital with meningeal irritation. Assistant Aaron Danks is in charge, with Michael Olise and Manuel Neuer available, and says the identity of the side will not change.

“The most important part of my role in Vinny’s absence is to protect everything that we’ve built over the last two and a half years.”

Kane called it a week of extremes for the squad.

“A big high for me personally last week, some lows with the boss and the injuries. A lot of extremes. We had to deal with that and it brought us closer together.”

He missed a penalty and hit the post against Dortmund, his first match back since the award. Bayern expect some players back in the November international break, and must hold their focus until then.

“For now it is fight for every moment. We are missing some key players and our coach but it gives everyone an opportunity to prove themselves in this team.”

Kane’s contract expires in June 2027, and he said a new one is close.

“I’d say it’s more days (than weeks)... we’re extremely close now.”