Harry Kane’s night of nights just got better. Fresh from lifting the Ballon d’Or in his native London on Monday, the England captain wasted no time setting his sights on the prizes that have eluded him, Champions League glory with Bayern Munich and ending the Three Lions’ agonising wait for a major international tournament triumph.

Also read: England captain Kane eyes historic Ballon d’Or triumph in London

The 33-year-old striker became the first English winner of football’s most prestigious individual honour in 25 years, beating off stiff competition from Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to be crowned the world’s best player. It was a moment that transcended even his own lofty expectations.

“I’d say a dream come true but it’s beyond my wildest dreams, so just incredible,” Kane said, his voice thick with emotion. “I think it’s massive for England, for our country. Being here in London was a good omen for me and it’s been too long. To put us back on the map and put us here with this trophy, I’m extremely proud.”

The Bayern Munich hitman was rewarded for a jaw-dropping campaign that saw him plunder 73 goals in 65 games for club and country, firing the German giants to a league and cup double whilst dragging England to the World Cup semi-finals. The numbers are staggering, the impact undeniable.

Silverware still to chase

Yet for all his individual brilliance, Kane’s trophy cabinet remains frustratingly sparse when it comes to the biggest prizes. England’s all-time record goalscorer has collected only domestic German honours since swapping north London for Bavaria in 2023.

Bayern crashed out to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League semi-finals. England fell agonisingly short in successive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 before more heartbreak arrived via a World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.

But Kane isn’t finished. Not by a long shot.

“I still have a lot to achieve in this game. The Champions League, at club level, and to win a major trophy with England is the number one priority for sure,” he declared. “There’s so many great things I want to achieve.”

At 33, time is no longer on his side in the ruthless world of elite football. But Kane believes he’s got plenty left in the tank to land the prizes that matter most.

Loan spells forged champion mentality

Unlike Spain’s Yamal and France skipper Mbappe, both World Cup winners as teenagers, Kane’s path to the summit was anything but straightforward. Tottenham farmed him out on loan four times to the lower leagues before he convinced them he belonged in the first team.

Those humbling experiences, rather than breaking him, forged the relentless mentality that drives him today.

“I had to go through many ups and downs, especially early in my career, when you’re learning about yourself, both as a professional and in life,” Kane reflected. “I found ways to improve and get the edge on maybe other players who had more ability than me.

“From that moment I think it helped shape me as a professional because I never take it for granted. I know there’s always someone like me, someone younger, trying to take my spot, whether it’s with the England team or the Bayern team.”

That hunger, that refusal to rest on his laurels, suggests Kane isn’t content with individual glory alone. The Ballon d’Or might be his now, but the Champions League and a major England trophy remain the ultimate goals.

Monday was magical. But for Harry Kane, the best might still be yet to come.