Writers 
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has expressed his preference for Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or, insisting that both the England international and his teammate Michael Olise deserve recognition for their performances. However, Hainer believes Kane should receive the prestigious individual award, while pointing out that Olise still has several years ahead of him to compete for football’s biggest individual honour.
Speaking to German newspaper BILD, Hainer praised both players but made it clear that Kane would be his choice if he had to decide between the two Bayern Munich stars. His comments highlight the impressive contributions of the attacking duo and the growing expectations surrounding the club’s leading performers.
Kane has established himself as one of Bayern Munich’s most important players since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023. The England captain joined the German giants with a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers, and his performances have reinforced his status among the continent’s elite forwards.
The striker’s goalscoring ability, movement inside the penalty area and experience at the highest level have made him a central figure in Bayern’s attacking plans. Beyond finding the back of the net, Kane has also demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for teammates, contribute to build-up play and influence matches through his intelligent positioning.
His individual performances have strengthened his case for major awards, particularly the Ballon d’Or, which recognises the achievements of the world’s best footballers. However, winning the award usually requires more than impressive personal statistics, as team success, performances in important matches and achievements across major competitions can also influence the final decision.
Olise, meanwhile, has emerged as another important attacking option for Bayern Munich. The French winger joined the Bundesliga club from Crystal Palace in 2024 after impressing in the Premier League with his technical ability, creativity and attacking intelligence.
Known for his close control, dribbling skills and ability to deliver dangerous passes, Olise offers Bayern a different dimension in the final third. His capacity to create chances, take on defenders and contribute goals makes him a valuable member of the squad, particularly when the team faces opponents that defend in numbers.
Hainer’s comments suggest that he recognises Olise’s considerable potential but believes Kane deserves the greater recognition at this stage of their respective careers. By pointing out that Olise has many more years ahead of him to win the Ballon d’Or, the Bayern president appeared to emphasise the winger’s long-term prospects rather than dismissing his current achievements.
At 32, Kane has accumulated considerably more experience at the highest level than Olise, who is 24. The England captain has spent years competing in major domestic and international competitions, developing into a forward capable of influencing games through both goalscoring and playmaking. That experience could strengthen his claim to individual honours, although the final outcome will depend on performances and the achievements of other leading contenders.
For Bayern Munich, having two players considered worthy of the Ballon d’Or reflects the attacking quality within the squad. Kane’s finishing and leadership complement Olise’s creativity and ability to unlock defences, giving the German champions multiple ways to threaten opponents.
The debate also illustrates the difficulty of comparing players who perform different roles. While Kane is primarily recognised for his goalscoring and overall influence as a centre-forward, Olise often contributes through wing play, chance creation and individual moments of attacking brilliance. Both can have a decisive impact on matches, but their contributions are measured in different ways.
Ultimately, Hainer has made his personal preference clear: he would choose Harry Kane over Michael Olise for the Ballon d’Or. Nevertheless, his remarks leave room for optimism about Olise’s future, with the French international having time to develop further and strengthen his own case for the award in the coming years.
For Kane, the recognition from Bayern’s president adds to the attention surrounding his individual achievements and ambitions. Whether he ultimately wins the Ballon d’Or will depend on his performances and the competition from other leading players, but Hainer’s endorsement demonstrates the high regard in which the striker is held at the Munich club.
