Diego Simeone described Harry Kane as "incredible" ahead of Atletico Madrid's Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Kane won the Ballon d'Or last week, becoming the fifth English player to do so, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001.
The Bayern striker scored 61 goals in all competitions in the 2025-26 season, 19 more than any other player in Europe's top-five leagues.
It was also the most by a player in a season since Cristiano Ronaldo scored 61 for Real Madrid in 2014-15.
Kane has scored in each of his last 10 appearances for Bayern in the Champions League.
If he finds the net against Atleti, he will equal the longest scoring streak in European Cup/Champions League history: 11 in a row by Ronaldo for Madrid between June 2017 and April 2018.
When asked about Kane's Ballon d'Or win, Simeone responded: "Congratulations on winning the Ballon d'Or, which he deservedly earned.
"He's an incredible player; I've always admired him. I have no doubt about his growth and development, which has led him to play at the highest levels without ever losing his scoring touch.
"He's committed to his work, always ready to pull the team out of the back when needed.
"He's a true goalscorer, and I congratulate him on his talent because it improves football and inspires young players, leaving a legacy of how to reach a high level through hard work."
That night in Munich https://t.co/O9PCPrwe68
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 2, 2026
Atletico have won only one of their five league phase games this calendar year in UEFA's elite club competition (D2 L2), after winning nine of their previous 11 coming into the year (L2).
They have faced Bayern on eight occasions in the European Cup/Champions League, winning just two of those (D2 L4), and none of the last three (D1 L2).
"We're up against a powerful, strong team, and we'll have to face some tough moments, trying to break through their pressure, which they handle very well when playing out from the back," added Simeone, who this past weekend equalled Luis Aragones' record of 344 wins in LaLiga.
"We're facing a very tough, very good opponent, and we'll have to take the game to where we think we can hurt them."