Tributes to Harry Kane after Ballon d’Or triumph
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See the reaction after England captain Kane received the 2026 Ballon d'Or award
Current and former clubs, teammates, coaches and Three Lions legends took to social media to pay tribute to Kane, who scored 73 times in 65 games for club and country last season, with 12 of those coming for England.
Thomas Tuchel
Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel praised Harry Kane after his win: "I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world.
"To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader.
"I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best - scoring goals and winning football matches."
Gareth Southgate
And the last permanent England manager that Tuchel succeeded, Gareth Southgate, added his own tribute after working together across four major tournaments: “Huge congratulations to you and your family on such a well-deserved accolade.
“In your own humble way, you thanked all those who had helped you. Ultimately, you’re the one who listened, refused to give in and strived to be the best.
“You’re a testimony to what’s possible when talent meets hard work, perseverance and dedication to your sport. A wonderful example to young people in our country.”
Jordan Pickford
"Congrats skip! Unbelievable achievement and thoroughly deserved," posted England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Jude Bellingham
"Congratulations Skip!" posted Bellingham, who finished in 11th place in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings.
Declan Rice
"Incredible," Rice added, after he himself was ranked in 15th place.
Elliot Anderson
"Congratulations skip! Very well deserved," posted Kane's England teammate Elliot Anderson.
Nico O'Reilly
"Fully deserved," was Nico O'Reilly's assessment.
Beth Mead
Lionesses forward Beth Mead added: "So deserved, unbelievable."
Former England captain Sir David Beckham posted on Instagram: "Congratulations to our captain. Humble at the highest level. No one deserves this more.”
Michael Owen
The last English winner of the award, Michael Owen, shared the following: “Congratulations @harrykane. The most lethal finisher on the planet and deserving winner of the 2026 Ballon d’Or.”
Alan Shearer
Former Three Lions striker Alan Shearer, who was at the ceremony to announce Kane as the winner of the Gerd Müller Trophy for the men’s striker of the year before the main award was presented, added: "Congratulations @harrykane. So deserved."
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker, a World Cup Golden Boot winner with England, posted: “Many congratulations @harrykane on winning the Ballon d'Or. Richly deserved."
HRH Prince William
Prince William praised Harry Kane for being a "brilliant captain and remarkable player."
He said: "Huge congratulations to Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or! What a fantastic achievement and so deserved.
"A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments."
Thierry Henry
France legend Thierry Henry, who was a presenter on stage at the ceremony, praised Kane as a “worthy winner.”
Henry said: “I would always back my fellow Frenchmen but I have to say something about Harry Kane. I have seen him since the beginning. He had to suffer really hard to achieve what he has achieved. A worthy winner, well done.”
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel, who was a teammate of Kane during his loan spell at Leicester City, posted on Instagram: “Hard work pays off! And there are not many that have worked harder than @harrykane.
“Massive respect for the journey you’ve taken to be where you are today. One of my most formidable opponents and one of the most complete footballers of all time!
“Massive congratulations fully deserved. Pretty cool to have played with a Ballon d’Or winner.”
Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl said: “Harry Kane takes responsibility, on the pitch and in the dressing room; he’s someone who everyone else follows, day after day.
“This title is the reward for his impressive career achievements as a whole. Harry deserves every honour in the world, and the fact that he has been presented with the Ballon d’Or here today in his home city sends a wonderful message to everyone, that you should never give up.”
Christoph Freund
Christoph Freund, Bayern Munich sporting director, added: “We’re all delighted with Harry Kane’s performance. It’s not just his goals that make him an exceptional footballer, and it’s not just on the pitch that he’s a special character.
“Harry is a great guy, you very rarely come across someone like him: world-class yet so down-to-earth. Harry has taken the centre-forward role to a whole new level – he’s an inspiration, especially for young players. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest in football history.”
Spurs lead former club tributes
Clubs who were part of the formative years in Kane’s career also looked back at their connection with the Three Lions skipper.
That included Tottenham Hotspur, where Kane came through the Academy and went on to become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, and loan clubs for Kane including Leyton Orient.
Leyton Orient
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