USA national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has publicly endorsed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, expressing his strong belief that it is “Harry Kane’s time” to receive the honour.
Pochettino, who managed Kane for 242 games during their shared tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, shared his sentiments with Sky Sports. The Argentine coach’s comments highlight a deep respect for his former player’s contributions to football. “My wish, I hope yes. I think he deserves it as the reward for his career and for all what he has done in football,” Pochettino stated, emphasising Kane’s consistent excellence.
A Career Deserving of Recognition
The former Spurs boss highlighted Kane’s consistent performance and extensive career achievements as key reasons for his nomination. Pochettino drew parallels with other deserving winners of the past, mentioning esteemed players like Luka Modrić, Fabio Cannavaro, and Karim Benzema, all of whom received the award after distinguished careers.
“He deserves it in his career like Modrić, Cannavaro or Benzema. I think if I pick one, then it’s Harry Kane,” Pochettino added, underscoring his conviction that the England captain has earned this significant individual recognition.
The Weight of a Former Mentor’s Support
The bond between Pochettino and Kane was forged over 242 matches across all competitions at Tottenham Hotspur, a period that saw Kane develop into one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. This long-standing professional relationship lends considerable weight to Pochettino’s endorsement, as few understand Kane’s dedication and talent better than his former manager.
Pochettino acknowledged potential challenges Kane might face in the Ballon d’Or voting process, particularly concerning team achievements in major competitions. The award often considers success in tournaments like the World Cup or the Champions League. “I don’t know if he is going to be punished for the World Cup or the Champions League because he played in both semi finals. Maybe he will be punished, I don’t know, but, for me, it’s Harry Kane’s time,” he remarked, suggesting that individual merit should prevail.
Kane currently plays for German champions Bayern Munich, having made a high-profile move from Tottenham Hotspur. His former coach’s public backing adds significant weight to his potential candidacy for one of football’s most coveted individual accolades, positioning him as a strong contender in the eyes of a respected figure in the sport.