Bayern striker crowned first English winner of award in 25 years at ceremony in London
He still hasn’t been forgiven for what happened at Hampden. No Scotland fan can ever look at Harry Kane without thinking back to that injury-time equaliser in June of 2017. Leigh Griffiths, scorer of two glorious free-kicks on a day of footballing mayhem, would be justified in throwing darts at pictures of the England striker as part of his daily routine, even after all these years.
But quality is quality. And the Ballon d’Or is an award that recognises not just achievement and skill, but the ability to do the remarkable. Repeatedly.
Which is why, in an incredibly tight year absolutely bursting with worthy potential winners, my vote as Scotland’s juror went to a guy who contributed so much to the Auld Enemy coming very, very close to making the worst Tartan Army nightmares a horrible reality. And his efforts at the World Cup, scoring six times as England reached the semi-finals, are only part of the story.
No, the Ballon d’Or is not an award dished out to the guy who has bagged the most goals. In the easy years when all we ever had to do was choose between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a lot of fans used to get very confused about the difference between football’s most prestigious individual honour and the variety of golden-boot prizes handed out to strikers.
The decision to vote for Kane wasn’t entirely about the numbers, as impressive as they are. I mean, 73 goals in 65 games is just jaw-dropping stuff.
As a qualified tactical analyst and Uefa-licensed coach, however, it’s impossible not to be impressed by everything else that Kane brings to the debate over who deserves what prize. Because, not content with being the best centre forward in the world, he’s virtually created a new and unique role for himself in a Bayern Munich team more than willing to accommodate his brilliance.
Still the best finisher in the game, regularly finding himself in scoring positions when it matters most and usually hitting the net, he does all of this while dropping deeper than some midfielders and building play through a variety of phases. Blessed with superb instincts, he’s found a way to bypass a lot of the defensive tactics that make life so hard for the modern centre forward.
By his own admission, Kane is not overly quick. Nor is he even in the top ten best dribblers in world football. If astute judges can marvel at the footballing IQ of midfielders who always know how to unlock a game, however, why are some reluctant to recognise the genius – yes, genius – of the Englishman?
As he puts it himself: “Until you really understand football, it’s so easy to say ‘Stay high, you’re going to score.’ But it doesn’t work like that.”
Now, amid all of the admiration for Kane, we must add a caveat. And admit that any one of three or four other candidates on the official short list would have been worthy winners.
Lamine Yamal is a glorious talent destined to dominate the game. An established game breaker and match winner for Barcelona, he was a big part of a Spain team who may already be establishing themselves as one of the best international sides of the modern era.
The problem for Spanish players seeking individual recognition is, ironically, that their team is so damned impressive. Half a dozen Spaniards made the short list, with Pedri and one or two others genuinely unlucky to miss out, creating the possibility of votes being split.
As isolated as jurors may be from the politics, it’s also impossible to forget that every ballot cast can contribute to some incredible reactions from grown-ups who should know better. Real Madrid, you may have noticed, made a return to Monday’s ceremony in London, having gone in a very regal huff over Vinicius Jr being pipped to the top prize by Rodri in 2024.
Now that the votes have been counted and trophies handed out, of course, all of the arguments can begin in earnest. Even when Messi was mesmerising the world in his very best years, CR7 fans used to mount semi-organised campaigns seeking the dismissal of any journalist who dared vote ‘against’ their man.
A good couple of decades into life as a juror, it’s safe to say that this has been one of the tougher years, with so many genuinely deserving contenders. Kylian Mbappe, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rodri again big Erling Haaland … and that’s without counting the defenders – Dayot Upamecano, anyone? – who rarely get the love.
Sometimes it’s best just to go with the guy whose ability, vision and sheer audacity make you smile and shake your head in wonder. Even if, in this instance, he’s the same player who prompted so many of us to curse his very existence, persistence and predatory instincts on a day of high drama in Glasgow.
One journalist from each of Fifa’s 100 top-ranked nations votes for the Ballon d’Or winner. Scotsman writer John Greechan has been Scotland’s juror for more than 20 years.