England head coach Thomas Tuchel also congratulated Kane, describing the award as deserved recognition for his performances.
Harry Kane has become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, following a remarkable season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country.
The Bayern Munich striker received football’s most prestigious individual award at a ceremony in London, succeeding former England international Michael Owen, who won it in 2001.
Kane beat Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal to claim the 2026 award, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen among English players who have won the honour.
The 73-goal tally underlined Kane’s outstanding campaign and cemented his place among the leading players in world football.
An emotional Kane struggled to find words as he accepted the award, expressing gratitude to France Football, the organisers, and everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless,” Kane said. “Being in London, it is extra special; it felt like a good omen.
“Thank you to everyone for voting for me. I can imagine it was very tough.”
The England captain also paid tribute to the national team, Bayern Munich and his former club Tottenham Hotspur, reflecting on the journey that brought him to the pinnacle of the game.
He said his rise should encourage young footballers to remain determined, even when their careers do not follow a straightforward path.
“For any young boy or girl who wants to achieve their dream, anything is possible,” Kane said.
“My journey wasn’t straightforward. I didn’t go straight to the top. I had to experience a lot of loan moves and fight my way to get to where I am now. I hope that can give you inspiration.”
Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher welcomed Kane’s achievement, saying England had waited too long for another Ballon d’Or winner.
“Absolutely delighted. What a career he’s had, what a player he is, and as a country, we haven’t got enough Ballon d’Or winners,” Carragher said.
He also praised Kane’s decision to leave Tottenham for Bayern Munich, arguing that the move had improved the striker’s opportunities to compete for major European honours and receive recognition on the global stage.
“There’s no way Harry Kane could’ve won the Ballon d’Or if he was playing for Tottenham,” Carragher said.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel also congratulated Kane, describing the award as deserved recognition for his performances.
“Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon d’Or!” Tuchel said.
“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.”
Tuchel added that Kane’s achievement was particularly significant because he had become the first Englishman to win the award in a quarter of a century, describing him as an important leader for the national team.
Bayern Munich also ended a 45-year wait for one of its players to win the men’s Ballon d’Or, according to the report.
The ceremony was not without controversy, however. Hours before the event, the Ballon d’Or website reportedly published three separate articles naming Kane, Mbappe and Yamal as the winner of the 2026 men’s award, creating confusion ahead of the announcement.
The event was subsequently delayed by 45 minutes because of traffic in London, with proceedings beginning at 8:45pm.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales and patron of the Football Association, also congratulated Kane in a message posted on Instagram.
“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.”
For Kane, the award marks the culmination of a career built through persistence, prolific goalscoring and a determination to establish himself among football’s elite. His victory also restores England’s presence at the top of the Ballon d’Or honours list after 25 years.
