Winning the Ballon d’Or could play a key role in persuading Harry Kane to extend his contract with Bayern Munich, according to former World Cup winner Lothar Matthaus.

Kane became the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim football’s most prestigious individual award on Monday.

The England captain enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich. His goals helped the German giants secure a domestic league and cup double. Kane also scored six times during England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.

“We are very happy to have Harry Kane in the Bundesliga. He is an international ambassador of football,” said Matthaus, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1990 after captaining West Germany to World Cup glory that year.

“Maybe he was dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, but you have to play for a big club like Bayern. He has found peace in Munich and the right club with the right teammates.”

Kane, 33, joined Bayern in 2023 in a €100 million transfer from his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur, hoping to win major trophies. Since arriving in Germany, he has won the league twice and is currently in discussions with Bayern over a new deal.

“I think he gets a bonus for winning the Ballon d’Or. Thirty-six years ago, I got nothing,” Matthaus added. “But it is about more than money. This is a good moment to sign a new deal with Bayern. The club helped him win the Ballon d’Or.

“The relationship between Harry Kane and Bayern Munich is perfect. Considering everything that has happened over the last three years, I think Harry will sign a contract for another two or three years.”