Harry Kane said winning the Ballon d’Or was “like a dream” after receiving major praise from Prince William, England coach Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich.
The England captain was crowned the world’s top male footballer at the London Palladium on Monday night, finishing ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Kane is the first player from England to claim the prize since Michael Owen in 2001.
Quick facts
- Kane won the Ballon d’Or at the London Palladium on Monday.
- He beat Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to the award.
- The 33-year-old struck 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season.
- He helped Bayern Munich secure a domestic league-and-cup double.
- Kane also collected the men’s striker of the year prize and scored six goals as England came third at the World Cup in North America.
Wembley Stadium was illuminated in tribute to Kane, while England’s X account celebrated him as the player belonging to “the home of the world’s best footballer.”
“It sounds crazy, to be honest, but it sounds pretty good,” Kane told Sky Sports. “What a special evening. It is an unbelievable feeling and I am still trying to process it all. It genuinely feels like a dream.”
He said the announcement of his name brought a rush of emotions after a long wait for the result. “There was relief, joy, happiness and excitement,” Kane said.
“There had been so much anticipation about who would win, and it was quite nerve-racking in that moment. To have that release and share it with everybody in the theatre was really special.”
Prince William, the Football Association’s patron, hailed Kane’s achievement in an Instagram message. “What a fantastic achievement and so deserved,” he wrote.
“A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments.”
Tuchel, who worked with Kane at Bayern following the striker’s 2023 move to Germany, said England were fortunate to have him leading the side. The England manager said he had exhausted the available praise for Kane’s performances long ago.
“I am delighted that the football world has now formally recognised you,” Tuchel said. “Being the first Englishman to win this enormous honour for 25 years makes it even more special, and we are lucky to have you as our leader.”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice described his international captain as “incredible”, while Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers, another England colleague, called Kane the “best ever”.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer said the accolade marked “a proud day for FC Bayern”. He praised Kane’s complete game and his relentless scoring record.
“Harry Kane can do it all, and he scores goals, goals and more goals,” Hainer said. “He now stands alongside Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, which says everything about our history.”
Hainer added that Kane and Bayern had developed together and reached the highest targets together. “We are proud that this outstanding athlete and person is part of our FC Bayern family,” he said.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told the BBC that Kane’s contribution extended far beyond finishing chances. He pointed to the striker’s overall play and his influence around the squad.
“It is not only his goalscoring that is so good; it is his all-round game and the way he is with the other players,” Redknapp said. “He is an excellent England captain. Nobody could deserve this more. It has been a brilliant story.”
