Matthaus Says Ballon d'Or Success Should Help Bayern Keep Harry Kane

Lothar Matthaus, the former Germany captain and World Cup winner, has said that Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or victory should make it easier for Bayern Munich to convince the striker to extend his stay with the German champions.

Kane was crowned on Monday as the first Englishman to claim the award, football's highest individual honour, since Michael Owen did so in 2001.

The England captain had a remarkable season for Bayern, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions as the club won both the Bundesliga and the German Cup. He also reached the World Cup semifinals with England and netted six times at the tournament.

"We are very happy to have Harry Kane in the Bundesliga. He is an international ambassador of football," said Matthaus, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1990 after captaining Germany to World Cup glory. He made his comments during an online media roundtable.

Matthaus suggested that Kane's choice of club played a part in his success. "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," he said.

Kane, 33, moved to Bayern in 2023 from his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth 100 million euros ($111m). He left in search of trophies, and has since won the league title twice. He is currently in talks with Bayern about a new contract.

Matthaus said the award strengthens the player's position. "I think he gets a bonus (for winning the Ballon d'Or); 36 years ago I got nothing," he said. "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."

He added that he expects the forward to commit his future to the club. "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, who sit top of the Bundesliga table, face Magdeburg on Wednesday in the second round of the German Cup.