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Harry Kane stepped up to the penalty spot in the 12th minute and did what Harry Kane does. The England captain buried it, giving his side an early lead against Croatia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage opener on June 17.
The goal, which came after the initial kick was retaken due to the Croatian goalkeeper advancing off his line prematurely, marks Kane’s first strike of the tournament. It also adds another chapter to what has been a genuinely absurd individual season for the 32-year-old striker.
A season that demands recognition
Here’s the thing about Kane’s 2025-26 campaign: the numbers are almost cartoonish. Over 61 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.
Bookmakers and analysts have Kane positioned as the current frontrunner in Ballon d’Or power rankings, sitting ahead of contenders like Ousmane Dembele. His club form alone would make him a serious candidate. But what happens over the next few weeks in North America could be the deciding factor.
The Ballon d’Or equation
Kane himself has been refreshingly direct about how the math works. In interviews ahead of the World Cup, he stated he would be “among the favourites” for the Ballon d’Or if England wins the tournament.
An English player hasn’t won the Ballon d’Or since 2001. That’s a quarter-century drought for a nation that considers itself one of football’s traditional powerhouses. Michael Owen was the last to do it.
The early penalty against Croatia is a single data point. One goal in one match. But in the context of a season where Kane has scored over 61 goals, it’s the first brick in what could become a compelling World Cup story.
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