Long night ends for Harry Kane with Ballon d’Or crown in London

Harry Kane celebrates winning the Men’s Ballon d’Or Award in 2026, becoming only first English man to get it in 25 years. | Photo Credit: AP

When the lights dimmed at the London Palladium, Harry Kane stood in the wings, his palms probably sweating. Thirty-three years old. A career full of Golden Boots, broken records, captain’s armbands—but this trophy was different.

When the envelope was opened on stage, the room erupted: “Harry! Harry! Harry!” He walked out, took the golden ball in his hands, and his first words were: “Wow, I’m almost lost for words.”

HARRY KANE IS THE 2026 BALLON D'OR! #ballondor https://t.co/k3CUlwLF1E

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 26, 2026

He said London was a good omen. Maybe.

Sixteen years ago he was on loan at Leyton Orient, scrapping for the ball in the mud of the lower leagues. Nobody would have guessed that the boy who came through Tottenham’s academy would one day stand here, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen to win the Ballon d’Or.

“Thank you again to France Football for the Ballon d’Or, for putting on this amazing event. Being here in London as well has made it extra special. It looked like a good omen today, so thank you very much.”

His voice was tight as he spoke. In the audience sat Kylian Mbappé, sat Lamine Yamal, sat the very players he’d been competing against all season. Seventy-three goals, a Bundesliga title, a World Cup semifinal. The numbers were there.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was very tough this year, with some of the incredible players I was up against. Some of my teammates and some of the world-class players that are in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners, all the nominees today. It’s a massive showing of what determination and hard work can truly achieve, so well done.”

Harry Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions last season, creating his strongest case to win the Ballon d’Or in 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Then he mentioned Bayern. Mentioned the men who push him in training. Mentioned Vincent Kompany, his manager, who was probably still in hospital.

“My Bayern Munich teammates, I’ve got a few here tonight. Without you guys, it wouldn’t be possible. The way you guys push me, the way we compete, it just makes me a better player. It makes me want to improve. So thank you very much. To Vinnie, I know he’s at home, I think still in the hospital, so wishing you very well. I hope this gave you a bit of energy!”

England. He paused on the word.

“To all of my England teammates … We had a special year. It wasn’t the perfect year, but we had a lot of good moments. We built a great bond together, a lot of togetherness. The way we played, the way we trained. It was truly an honour to lead you and captain you, so this one is for all of us for sure.”

Under Harry Kane’s leadership, England finished third in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the country’s best-ever finish in the tournament since 1966. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Thomas Tuchel’s name was spoken. Then Tottenham. The place he entered at 11 years old.

“I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur as well. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham, for sure. I have been there since I was 11 years old. All the guidance, all the coaches, you allowed me to live my dream. Without all those moments together, all the ups and downs along the way of that journey, I wouldn’t be here today.”

A legacy built in the Spurs academy. Forever one of our own 🤍 https://t.co/tXaplV8tOR

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 26, 2026

He read out a long list of names. Chris Ramsey, John McDermott, Alex Inglethorpe, Tim Sherwood, Ryan Mason, Kenny Jackett, Russell Slade, Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate. And the two now, Vinnie and Thomas.

“All of you have played a big role in my development, all at different stages in my life. Without each and every one of you, I wouldn’t be standing here today. For sure, I learned lots, and when you surround yourself with the best people, the best coaches, it only enhances you as a person and a player.”

He spoke about family. His wife, Kate. He said she probably wanted this trophy more than he did.

“To my wife, Kate. My best friend. We’ve been through ups and downs, for sure. You’ve been my biggest supporter. I actually felt like you wanted this more than I did. The anxious wait for us to find out—I know it’s been horrible for you. Here it is—we’ve done it. You always want the best for me. You sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams, and I know they are your dreams as well. So it wouldn’t be possible without you. This is a trophy that we celebrate, not me, but me and you. It’s all the family, all our close-knit team. So I just want to thank you, I love you, and I can’t wait to enjoy this and celebrate for sure.”

Harry Kane took his time to thank his family, acknowledging the role his wife played to ensure he stayed motivated throughout his career. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The kids were probably past bedtime. He smiled on stage and said it was a little later than they’d hoped.

“My kids at home, watching. It’s definitely past your bedtime—it’s a little later than we hoped! To Ivy, Vivian, Louie and Henry—you’re the reason I do this. I don’t think you’ll maybe fully appreciate bringing this trophy home... I bring some others home, but this one is a special one. I can’t wait to see you and celebrate with you. I want to set a good example, being a father but also being a professional. What it means to work hard and what it means to believe in yourself.”

Finally he spoke about the journey. The loans, the lows, the days running when nobody was watching.

“My journey wasn’t straightforward. I wasn’t the kid who went straight to the top. I had to experience the downs; I had a lot of loan moves; I had to fight my way to be the very best right now, and I hope that can give you determination as well. So thank you very much.”

Kane, who was rejected by Arsenal and Tottenham’s academies once, grew up to be a Spurs legend and now, a Ballon d’Or winner. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

He stood there in the London lights holding the trophy, sixteen years of Bayern red, England white, and Spurs white woven behind him. Kompany was probably smiling in his hospital bed. Kate was probably wiping her eyes in the audience. And Harry Kane—the boy who once kicked a ball around the park—could finally say: “We’ve done it.”