flag
back Back
Thomas Tuchel sends message to Harry Kane after winning Ballon d’Or

Kane pipped Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to the Ballon d’Or in London

Copa Independent | Kane v Yamal – and is the Ballon d'Or just a PR contest?
Copa Independent | Kane v Yamal – and is the Ballon d'Or just a PR contest?

Thomas Tuchel says he has “run out of superlatives” to describe Harry Kane after the England captain won the Ballon d’Or.

Bayern Munich striker Kane pipped Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to football’s most prestigious individual prize at the London Palladium, rewarded for his staggering season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country.

The 33-year-old became the first Englishman to lift the trophy since Michael Owen in 2001.

Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or on Monday night
Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or on Monday night (AFP/Getty)

Under Tuchel, he led his country to the last four of the World Cup, where they suffered a devastating loss to Argentina. England nevertheless achieved their best World Cup finish since 1966, coming home with bronze after victory over France in the third-place play-off.

Following Kane’s triumph, Tuchel said: “Congratulations Harry on a deserved Ballon D’Or!

“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.”

The FA also honoured Kane’s Ballon d’Or win by illuminating the Wembley arch in gold on Monday night.

Wembley Stadium’s arch was illuminated in gold to honour Kane’s triumph
Wembley Stadium’s arch was illuminated in gold to honour Kane’s triumph (Getty)

Kane paid tribute to his England team-mates, manager and staff during an emotional acceptance speech.

“To all my England teammates, we had a special year,” he said. “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 trained, the way we played, the togetherness in the hotel in the World Cup.

“It’s truly an honour to captain you, lead you. It makes me extremely proud so this one is for all of us, for sure.

“To Thomas Tuchel and the staff at England again. The leadership, the way you drive us, the way you push standards is something to be admired and it's an honour to represent you and represent the England badge the way you do.

“I know Debbie [Hewitt, FA Chair] is here tonight as well, so Debbie, thank you very much for everything you do and everyone at the FA, it's truly an honour to be your captain.”

You may like

'What an embarrassment': Arsenal fans react to William Saliba Ballon d'Or 2026 ranking reveal

standard.co.uk 7 hours ago

Bruno Fernandes’s Surprisingly Low 2026 Ballon d’Or Ranking Revealed

si.com 4 hours ago

The Bruno standoff: Why managers who bench club icons rarely survive to tell the tale

iol.co.za 12 hours ago

Chelsea to continue transfer spree with £100m move for new forward: report

fourfourtwo.com 10 hours ago

Arsenal boss Arteta reaches decision on selling crucial title winner to Real Madrid

teamtalk.com 2 hours ago

Sheikh Mansour doubles down on Man City commitment with £100m injection AFTER guilty verdict

mirror.co.uk 8 hours ago

Glazer family may sell Man Utd if two things happen as club insider reveals new details

sportbible.com 9 hours ago

Ronald Araujo nominated for Premier League Player of the Matchweek award

liverpoolfc.com 10 hours ago

Liverpool XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for Carabao Cup clash

standard.co.uk 11 hours ago