Harry Kane: Tottenham legend reveals why 'exceptional' England captain must win Ballon d'Or | OneFootball

Bayern Munich talisman faces competition from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

The most prestigious individual honour in world football will be handed out at a star-studded ceremony held in London next month, with Kane the current frontrunner for glory.

Allen is regarded as one of the most fearsome strikers in Spurs’ history and still holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season (49) for the club.

Even Kane, despite breaking Tottenham’s all-time goalscoring record in 2023, could not surpass Allen’s single-season mark during his time at Spurs.

However, the England captain has taken his goalscoring exploits to new heights since signing for Bayern Munich in 2023, hitting a remarkable 61 in 51 appearances across all competitions last season.

He followed up a stellar campaign with Bayern by guiding England to the World Cup semi-finals this summer, scoring six times before the Three Lions were dumped out by Argentina.

Many believe that Kane is the favourite to lift the Ballon d’Or this year, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Yamal, Mbappe and World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri.

Captain fantastic: Harry Kane is preparing to lead England into the Nations League

PA

Allen is adamant that Kane should win the prestigious award, 70 years after fellow Englishman Sir Stanley Matthews was crowned the inaugural winner at a low-key ceremony at Blackpool Town Hall.

“I believe Harry should win the Ballon d’Or, yes, and purely because of what he has achieved,” said Allen, speaking at the unveiling of the new Hall of Fame installation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“When you look at Ballon d’Or winners over the years, they have always been exceptional in what they have achieved. That is how it should be judged, and there is no one better than Harry Kane over the last two or three seasons."

While Kane has gone on to do great things since leaving Spurs, his former club have struggled in recent years and find themselves rock bottom of the Premier League after five games.

Goals have been a major issue for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, and they went without one in their first four league games for the first time in the club’s history.

Allen believes a lack of confidence has impeded Spurs’ attack so far, but he is confident the goals will flow in time.

"It is all about confidence. I know from my playing days, the first thing you want when you start a new season is to get off (the mark) and be scoring because of the confidence that gives you and the belief that gives you,” Allen said.

“I’m sure as soon as those strikers find the back of the net, that (confidence) will come because they have undoubted ability."