Kane takes a goal-kick, grabs an assist and scores: why Rice backs him to win the Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane turned the 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Bayern Munich into another statement of intent: he scored, provided an assist and even took a goal-kick to launch a counter-attack in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. After the match, his England team-mate Declan Rice had no doubts: the Bayern striker is the leading candidate to lift the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

• Kane started a dangerous move by taking an 80-yard goal-kick inside the opening 25 minutes.
• He assisted Alphonso Davies for the equaliser and scored a penalty, his 16th goal against Arsenal.
• Declan Rice called Kane the clear Ballon d'Or winner because of his numbers and his year.
• Kane became the second player in Champions League history to score in 10 consecutive matches.
• The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place in London on Monday.

The Kane goal-kick that caught Arsenal by surprise

Less than 25 minutes had been played when Kane took on a responsibility that is highly unusual for a number nine. With Arsenal preparing to press Bayern's short goal-kick, the England captain placed the ball down and launched a raking pass of nearly 80 yards that broke the pressure and sent his team-mates racing towards the opposition goal.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha pointed out the trust Vincent Kompany has given Kane, something he had never experienced under any previous manager. Manuel Neuer, a true Bayern institution, handed over the goal-kick without hesitation because he understood the striker's reading of the situation was right.

Nobody had seen him take a goal-kick before. Even someone like Manuel Neuer, his senior and a long-time Bayern player, watches Harry Kane put the ball down and thinks, 'OK, sure'. He lets him go for it because he believes whatever he sees will be correct.

Goal and assist against Arsenal in the Champions League

Kane did not take long to appear in the areas where he truly decides games. After Arsenal's opening goal, the England captain curled a measured pass for Alphonso Davies, who finished to restore parity. In the second half, Kane converted a penalty to put Bayern ahead and took his personal tally against the Gunners to 16.

Declan Rice's late equaliser denied Bayern the win, but it did not overshadow a performance that featured 40 touches and a clear message: the former Tottenham striker is enjoying one of the best spells of his career.

Ten consecutive Champions League matches with a goal

Kane's goal against Arsenal put him in a very select group in the competition. Only one other player had previously scored in ten straight Champions League matches: Cristiano Ronaldo, who found the net in eleven consecutive games for Real Madrid between June 2017 and April 2018.

Since joining Bayern in 2023, Kane has registered 156 goals in 158 appearances. Those numbers explain why his name carries so much weight ahead of the next Ballon d'Or.

What Declan Rice says about Kane winning the Ballon d'Or

Rice experienced the match from both sides, as an opponent and as Kane's team-mate with England, and he was emphatic. For the Arsenal midfielder, Kane is the undisputed Ballon d'Or winner, not only because of his numbers but also because of how difficult it is to face him.

He is the clear winner. His numbers speak for themselves. The year he has had has been remarkable. When you play with him, you realise how good he is, and when you play against him, you see how much of a pain it is.

When the Ballon d'Or is awarded and who the favourites are

Kane was included in the 30-man shortlist announced in September. The winner will be revealed on Monday at a ceremony held in London, following a vote by an international jury of 100 journalists.

If he wins, Kane would become the first Englishman to claim the prize since Michael Owen in 2001. Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele, the current holder, are among his main rivals.

Kane himself remains calm before the ceremony: the voting closed long ago and now he can only wait. In Munich, meanwhile, his football continues to speak for him.