Harry Kane has every reason to believe he can challenge for one of world football’s most prestigious individual honours. After an outstanding season, the Bayern Munich striker is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or. Even so, the England captain has remained notably calm about being viewed as one of the favourites.

For Kane, his part in the process is already done. He feels the rest now lies with those responsible for casting their votes and making the final decision. “Of course, it’s no longer in my hands, but up to the voters and the decision-makers,” Kane told TNT Sports.

Whatever the result of the voting, the forward is looking back on the past few months with enormous satisfaction. “My season was by far my best, and we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Kane has every reason to be pleased with the campaign he has had. The Bayern star once again underlined his quality as a prolific goalscorer and also enjoyed major success with the German record champions. Across the season, he scored a total of 73 goals for Bayern and the England national team.

While supporters and pundits continue to debate who should win the Ballon d’Or, Kane has already shifted his focus towards the challenges ahead.

“It’s a strange situation because I’m already focusing on this season and the next one. Can I be better? Can I improve?” the Bayern forward explained.

That mindset shows that, despite his remarkable numbers, Kane is far from believing he has reached the limit of his development. At the same time, he also wants to give himself the space to properly value what he has achieved so far.

“But I also want to appreciate what I’ve achieved,” the England international stressed.

Considering his performances, it is hardly surprising that Kane is being counted among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or. At the same time, the striker is fully aware that an individual prize of this scale is not decided on statistics alone.

“The problem with opinions in football is: There are so many opinions, so many arguments in favour of different players,” Kane explained.

In his view, every fan and every voter has a different idea of which qualities define an outstanding footballer.

“People love one player because he’s fast, another because he has a great understanding of the game, and yet another because he’s a fantastic finisher,” the Bayern star said.

For Kane, these contrasting views are exactly part of what makes football so special. “I think that’s exactly what makes football so special—all these debates—and the Ballon d’Or is definitely part of that,” said the 32-year-old.

Whether or not he ultimately lifts the prestigious award, Kane is already delighted simply to be among the nominees. “I’m happy to be nominated, so we’ll have to wait and see.”