Declan Rice backs Harry Kane for Ballon d'Or after Champions League draw

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice praised his England team-mate Harry Kane following Bayern Munich's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League. Yahoo Sports and The Independent reported that Rice called Kane the clear winner for the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, which takes place next week in London. [1][2][4][9]

Kane was directly involved in both Bayern Munich goals during the match, including a conversion from the penalty spot in the 61st minute. Yahoo Sports noted that the goal extended his scoring streak and kept him at the top of the Champions League Golden Boot race. BBC Sport added that Kane also initiated an attack early in the match by taking a goal-kick himself and delivering an 80-yard pass under manager Vincent Kompany. [1][4][7]

Media coverage around the upcoming ceremony has focused heavily on Kane's credentials for the award. BBC Football reported that analysts Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha, and Lars Sivertsen reviewed Kane's season, which they described as phenomenal. Kane stated that he felt proud to be in contention for his first Ballon d'Or. [3][4]