Nasri says Kane’s Ballon d’Or win was driven by statistics

Samir Nasri has questioned Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph, saying the Bayern Munich striker does not make the decisive difference in the biggest matches.

Kane was presented with the award at a ceremony in London on Monday, becoming the first English player to win the prize in 25 years. He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal in the voting.

The England captain scored 73 goals for club and country last season, helping Bayern Munich win the domestic double and reach the Champions League semi-finals. He also played a significant role as England advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

However, former Manchester City and France midfielder Nasri said Kane’s statistical output had been the main reason for his success rather than his influence in crucial games.

“Harry Kane wins the Ballon d’Or… well, the statistics made the difference,” Nasri said during an appearance on Canal+. “He is a great player with many qualities, but he has never been the player who carries his team further or leads them to victory in the really big matches.

“There is always a small weakness, but he is an exceptional player.”

Asked whether Kane’s victory had failed to excite him, Nasri replied: “No, that is putting it much more mildly than how I feel!”

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich last season, the highest total by a player in a single campaign in the German club’s history. Including his goals for England, his overall contribution stood at 73 goals and eight assists in 65 matches.

His individual form did not result in European or World Cup success. Bayern were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals, while England suffered defeat by Argentina at the same stage of the World Cup.

Thierry Henry, one of the presenters at the ceremony, offered a different assessment after Kane beat Mbappe to the award.

“I would always support my fellow Frenchmen, but I have to say something about Harry Kane,” Henry said. “I have followed him from the beginning, and he had to suffer a lot and endure difficult moments to achieve what he has achieved.

“He is a deserved winner, and I congratulate him.”