Kante responds to Ballon d'Or claims after Champions League heroics

N’Golo Kante has opened up on his chances of Ballon d’Or glory after helping Chelsea win the Champions League.

N’Golo Kante has played down the prospect of winning the 2021 Ballon d’Or award following an outstanding season.

Kai Havertz may have scored the decisive goal in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League final, but Kante was arguably the club’s standout performer in Portugal.

The Frenchman was incredible. He was full of energy as ever, contributed handsomely in the attack, and made some key interceptions. He was pretty much everywhere all the time.

N'Golo Kanté's #UCLFinal game by numbers for Chelsea:

85% passing accuracy
53 touches
11 duels won (most)
10 ball recoveries (most)
4 aerials won (!)
3 tackles
2 touches in the opp. box
2 clearances
2 interceptions
2 fouls won

One of the great UCL Final performances. 👏 pic.twitter.com/dukI1LEL5d

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 29, 2021

This Man of the Match display has prompted suggestions that Kante should be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

But when asked if he could be nominated for the highly coveted accolade, Kante told RMC Sport: “No, for the moment we are savoring the Champions League.

“The Euros are soon, I will join the France team and I hope to win that as well.”

The 30-year-old also opened up on winning the Champions League trophy with Chelsea for the first time in his career.

“It’s amazing,” said Kante.

“It’s the result of a lot of effort, after a lot of difficulties during the season.

“The Man of the Match award is secondary. The main thing is the work of the whole group. It is pride and joy. We fought to qualify for the final. Today, we have suffered, we have the reward.”