Harry Kane Thanks Tottenham After Winning 2026 Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane thanked Tottenham Hotspur after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or in recognising the club’s role in his journey from academy prospect to one of the world’s leading strikers.

The Bayern Munich and England forward collected the award at the London Palladium on Monday evening, becoming the first Englishman to win the men’s prize since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane finished ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal after a prolific campaign for Bayern and England. The 33-year-old also received the men’s striker of the year award, known as the Gerd Müller Award.

During his acceptance speech, Kane thanked Tottenham and the coaches who helped him develop in north London.

"Thank you, Tottenham Hotspur. I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham, for sure." he said

The striker spoke about joining Spurs as a youngster and credited the guidance he received throughout his time at the club. He also thanked several coaches who had worked with him, including Chris Ramsey, John McDermott, Alex Inglethorpe and Tim Sherwood. "You allowed me to live my dream; all the ups and downs along the way have led me to this. Thank you, Tottenham Hotspur”

Tottenham celebrated their former forward's achievement with a tribute video showing his journey from academy player to all-time leading goalscorer.

Kane’s rise to the top was not immediate. After progressing through Tottenham’s academy, he spent time on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City before establishing himself in Spurs’ first team.

Highlighting the hardword and dedication to becoming the best in the world, former Spurs teammate Dele said "Do you know how hard he works? He deserves this more than anyone. I don't give a f@ck what anyone says."

Kane made his senior Tottenham debut against Hearts in August 2011 and scored his first goal for the club against Shamrock Rovers later that year. His breakthrough came during the 2014/15 campaign, when he scored 31 times in all competitions.

The forward went on to win three Premier League Golden Boots with Spurs. In 2020/21, he also finished as the division’s leading assist provider, collecting the Playmaker of the Season award alongside the Golden Boot.

In February 2023, his winner against Manchester City broke Jimmy Greaves’ long-standing club record of 266 goals. Kane left for Bayern later that year with 280 goals in 435 Tottenham appearances.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or followed an exceptional 2025/26 campaign in which he scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern and England.

That total included 61 goals for Bayern, while his six World Cup goals helped England finish third. Bayern also won the Bundesliga and the German Cup, adding to his growing trophy cabinet.

Three years after leaving Tottenham, Kane has added football’s most prestigious individual award to a career that began in the club’s academy. Spurs fans celebrated as if the England captain were still their leading striker, highlighting the love they still have for “One Of Their Own”

Congratulations, Harry. Very well deserved.