Kane tipped to join 'exclusive little club' and end 25-year wait with Ballon d'Or win

Harry Kane has been told he deserves to join an “exclusive little club” - and be crowned winner of the Ballon D’Or.

England captain Kane, 33, will discover his rivals for the prestigious crown on Tuesday when the 30 name shortlist is unveiled for one of the biggest honours in football.

Kane is the red-hot bookies’ favourite after his record-breaking season when he scored 73 goals for club and would be England’s first winner in a quarter of a century.

Michael Owen was the last winner in 2001 and believes Kane - who will be up against the likes of Rodri, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi - deserves to win the award which will be handed out in London on October 26.

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The Former Liverpool striker insists that Kane has had a “phenomenal season” and is the “best finisher on the planet. Owen said: “Let's hope that all that means that you're going to get a huge shout of winning the Ballon D’Or. I would welcome you with open arms to join our exclusive little club.”

The Ballon D’Or often goes to a player from the winning nation in World Cup year but there is not an outstanding candidate and there is a strong feeling it could - and should - be Kane’s year, especially after a hugely successful season with Bayern Munich.

Kane, in an interview with TNT Sports, said: “I'm here now, and I'm winning awards like the Golden Shoe. And the Ballon d’Or is the same. Of course, now it's out of my hands in terms of it's down to the voters and the people who decide it.

“The season I had was my best season by far, and we have to wait and see this. It's a weird one because I'm already focussed on this season now and the next season and thinking how can I be better, how can I improve. But also I want to appreciate what I did. Time will tell.”

Real Madrid star Mbappe is also banging the drum for his own cause as he is dreaming of winning it for the first time even though he did not win any trophies.

Mbappe said: “I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people associate you with this award. There are many people that speak about me and the Ballon d'Or. Of course I've made history in the most important competition. Maybe it's a good year for this but people can vote according to what they think.”

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