Kane mentions in Conte in Ballon d’Or speech: ‘I wouldn’t be standing here’

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - OCTOBER 25: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich reacts during the Bundesliga 2026/27 match between Sport-Club Freiburg and FC Bayern München at Europa-Park Stadion on October 25, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane thanked all the coaches he worked with in his career, including Antonio Conte, after receiving the award in London on Monday: ‘Without each and every one of you, I wouldn’t be standing here today.’

England international and Bayern Munich star Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or in London on Monday.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his club, national team, and former club Tottenham, and also mentioned his current and previous coaches, including Conte.

“I want to give a shoutout to some of my coaches who have helped me along the way, and if I’ve forgotten anyone, I’m really sorry, but I’ll start from the early days. Bradley Allen, Chris Ramsey, John McDermott – who’s here tonight; Alex Inglethorpe, Tim Sherwood, and Ryan Mason – who’s here tonight, one of my best friends; Kenny Jackett, Russell Slade, Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and then Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, and of course, my two managers, Vinnie and Thomas now,” Kane said via Standard.co.uk.

“All of you played a big role in my development 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, with the best coaches, it only improves you as a person and as a player, so thank you very much.”

Kane scored 43 goals in 75 matches under Conte at Tottenham and provided 14 assists.

The Italian tactician took over in North London in November 2021 and remained in charge until March 2023.

Kane scored 61 goals in 51 competitive matches for Bayern Munich in 2025-26 and reached the World Cup semi-final with the England national team.

He’s also the top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues in 2026, with 21 league goals since January.

Kane remains under contract with Bayern Munich until the end of the season.