Ballon d'Or 2026: Harry Kane's heartfelt words after being crowned

On Monday evening, Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or at home in London. The Bayern Munich striker did not hide his joy after beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

After an incredible suspense that lasted for many months, Harry Kane managed to overtake Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to succeed Ousmane Dembélé on the winners’ list. The England captain has thus ended a 25-year wait for the United Kingdom since Michael Owen’s triumph in 2001.

The winner of the Bundesliga and a semi-finalist in the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup, the 2026 Gerd-Müller Trophy winner beat his rivals thanks to his exceptional output (61 goals scored for Bayern last season) and his consistency in major competitions.

Kane deeply moved

Upon the announcement of his triumph, Harry Kane spoke after collecting his trophy on the stage of the London Palladium Theatre. “I have no words. I thank France Football for organising this event. Being here in London makes it even more special for me. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Congratulations to all the winners and all the nominees tonight. Training every week makes me better. To Vini (Vincent Kompany, editor’s note), who is at home: I hope you’re doing well and that this gives you a bit of energy,” he said.

He continued: “I have improved as a person and as a leader. (…) I thank Tottenham; I would not be here if it weren’t for Tottenham—I had been there since I was 11. All that training enabled me to achieve my dreams. (…) I think back to the entire journey I have taken. Any dream is possible if you work hard and show resilience. I hope that my winding path—I did not reach the top straight away—I hope it will be a source of inspiration for children,” he concluded.

Kane teaches Mbappé a lesson

Later that evening, Kane posted one final message on social media: “Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.” A statement that will serve as a lesson to a certain Mbappé. The Frenchman had campaigned so extensively in the media in an effort to win the Ballon d’Or. But once again, he is disappointed.

Read also: Ballon d'Or 2026: Joan Laporta very disappointed for Lamine Yamal

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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