Now, the England captain believes that leading his country to World Cup glory could finally place him at the forefront of the race for the coveted award.
Fresh from one of the most productive seasons of his career with Bayern Munich, Kane is heading into the World Cup with confidence, momentum, and a renewed sense of purpose. The striker played a pivotal role in Bayern's domestic dominance, scoring 61 goals in all competitions and helping the German giants secure a league and cup double.
His season ended on a high note with a hat-trick in the DFB-Pokal final, underlining once again why he remains one of Europe's deadliest forwards.
As England's squad gathers in Florida for its pre-tournament preparations under new manager Thomas Tuchel, Kane is fully aware that his performances could define not only England's fortunes but also his standing among football's elite.
Ballon d'Or Ambitions Fuelled by World Cup Dream
Speaking in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe, Kane acknowledged that lifting the World Cup could significantly boost his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.
"The Ballon d'Or if we win the World Cup? I would certainly be among the favourites," Kane said.
The Bayern Munich striker believes his achievements at club level have already placed him firmly in the conversation.
"Considering the trophies I've won this season and the number of goals I've scored, I would be in the running.
"Especially since, if England win the World Cup, we could imagine the trophy going to an English player."
Kane pointed to the strength of the current field of contenders while maintaining a measured outlook on his own prospects.
"When you look at who the current favourites are to win the Ballon d'Or, there is Michael Olise, players who were Champions League finalists and me.
"But at the same time, I'm not the kind of person who claims to deserve a Ballon d'Or. I try to let my performances on the pitch speak for themselves."
The comments reflect the maturity that has characterised Kane's career. Despite breaking records and collecting individual honours, he has often preferred to let results and statistics tell his story.
Tuchel's Arrival Brings Fresh Optimism
England's hopes of ending decades of tournament disappointment now rest under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate after the European Championship.
The German coach arrives with a reputation for tactical innovation and success at the highest level, having managed elite clubs across Europe, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich.
For Kane, the appointment provides an added source of confidence.
The striker enjoyed a productive working relationship with Tuchel during their time together in Munich and believes the manager's methods can help England take the final step towards major silverware.
"At Bayern, I loved his personality, his ideas for the team, and the way he got me playing. In a way, he brought those methods to the national team," Kane said.
The familiarity between coach and captain could prove crucial as England seeks to build on the progress made over recent years.
England Determined to End Long Wait for Major Trophy
Although England have consistently challenged at major tournaments, success has remained just out of reach.
The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition, and suffered heartbreak in consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024.
Those near misses have only strengthened the determination within the squad.
Kane insists there is only one objective heading into the tournament.
"The ambition is to win it, obviously, that has to be our goal."
The England captain believes recent performances demonstrate that the team possesses the quality needed to challenge the world's best.
"We know it will be difficult, but we have been close in recent years to winning a major tournament — we reached two Euro finals, a semifinal and a quarterfinal of the World Cup."
With a new coaching staff, fresh faces in the squad and renewed optimism surrounding the national team, Kane sees an opportunity to write a new chapter in England's football history.
"This year, we will have a new coach, new players. It is exciting — even if this kind of competition generates a lot of pressure."
Defining Months Ahead
At 32, Kane understands that opportunities to win a World Cup are limited. While his remarkable scoring record has already secured his place among England's greatest-ever players, lifting the sport's biggest trophy would elevate his legacy to another level.
It could also strengthen his case for football's highest individual honour.
For now, however, Kane's focus remains fixed on helping England achieve what generations of players have been unable to accomplish since 1966.
If England can finally end that long wait for World Cup glory, the Ballon d'Or conversation may take care of itself.