Harry Kane faces stiff competition from Spanish World Cup-winning duo Lamine Yamal and Rodri, France captain Kylian Mbappe and teammate Michael Olise. (EPA Images pic)MUNICH: Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is hoping for a "special night" at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in his hometown of London, where the England captain is the bookies' favourite.

The 33-year-old scored 73 goals for club and country, the second-best mark in history after Leo Messi's 82 in 2010-11.

But in continuing his habit of tormenting old foes Arsenal on Wednesday, the former Tottenham striker again demonstrated how complete a player he had become since moving to Germany in 2023.

At one point dropping back to take goal kicks to ignite Bayern's attack, Kane also set up Alphonso Davies's first-half equaliser with a pinpoint long-range pass.