Milan, 27 Oct. (LaPresse) – “With hard work, even when no one is watching, anything is possible: you have to face the ups and downs, and learn through resilience, determination and self-belief.” This is how Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane commented on winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The 33-year-old was named the winner ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Kane, who also won the ‘Striker of the Year’ award, scored 73 goals for club and country across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern to the Bundesliga title and a domestic treble. “My journey hasn’t been a straight line. I wasn’t the sort of lad who reached the top straight away; I’ve had to go through difficult times too,” he added, addressing young footballers after reflecting on the challenges he faced at the start of his career. “I’ve had to fight to get where I am today, amongst the very best. I hope this can be an inspiration for you too,” he said. Kane thanked his team-mates, coaches, parents, children – “It’s well past your bedtime!” – and his wife Kate, “my best friend. We’ve been through ups and downs, it’s true. You’re my biggest supporter; you always want the best for me,” he said. “It’s a major achievement for England, for our country. The fact that the ceremony was held here in London was a good omen,” said Kane. “It’s been far too long. There have, of course, been some incredible English players… I’m incredibly proud to have brought us back into the spotlight, to be here with this trophy. Playing for England is my greatest honour, the thing I love doing more than anything else,” he added. Kane plans to celebrate with family and friends, but without going overboard. “We’ve got a cup match on Wednesday, so I can’t stay up too late,” he explained, adding that he’ll be setting off early on Tuesday morning to get back to Monaco in time for training with the team.
Football, Kane and the Ballon d’Or: “With hard work, anything is possible”
Milan, 27 Oct. (LaPresse) – “With hard work, even when no one is watching, anything is possible: you have to face the ups and downs, and learn through resilience, determination and self-belief.” This is how Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane commented on winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The 33-year-old was named the winner ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Kane, who also won the ‘Striker of the Year’ award, scored 73 goals for club and country across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, helping Bayern to the Bundesliga title and a domestic treble. “My journey hasn’t been a straight line. I wasn’t the sort of lad who reached the top straight away; I’ve had to go through difficult times too,” he added, addressing young footballers after reflecting on the challenges he faced at the start of his career. “I’ve had to fight to get where I am today, amongst the very best. I hope this can be an inspiration for you too,” he said. Kane thanked his team-mates, coaches, parents, children – “It’s well past your bedtime!” – and his wife Kate, “my best friend. We’ve been through ups and downs, it’s true. You’re my biggest supporter; you always want the best for me,” he said. “It’s a major achievement for England, for our country. The fact that the ceremony was held here in London was a good omen,” said Kane. “It’s been far too long. There have, of course, been some incredible English players… I’m incredibly proud to have brought us back into the spotlight, to be here with this trophy. Playing for England is my greatest honour, the thing I love doing more than anything else,” he added. Kane plans to celebrate with family and friends, but without going overboard. “We’ve got a cup match on Wednesday, so I can’t stay up too late,” he explained, adding that he’ll be setting off early on Tuesday morning to get back to Monaco in time for training with the team.