Harry Kane credits Tottenham after ending England’s 25-year Ballon d’Or wait

Harry Kane has thanked Tottenham Hotspur for helping him fulfil his ambitions after becoming the first English player in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or.

The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to claim football’s leading individual prize at a ceremony in London on Monday. He is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001.

Kane joined Tottenham aged 11 before leaving for Bayern Munich in 2023, and paid tribute to his former club during his acceptance speech.

“I want to thank Tottenham Hotspur. I certainly would not be where I am today without Tottenham,” he said.

“I was there from the age of 11, and all the guidance and coaching gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dream.”

Kane also reflected on the highs and lows of his time at the club, adding: “Without all those moments we shared, with everything the journey brought in terms of ups and downs, I would not be here today.

“So I just want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur.”

The 33-year-old singled out several coaches who helped him during his development at Tottenham, including Chris Ramsey, Tim Sherwood and Ryan Mason, whom he described as one of his closest friends.

Kane, who led England to third place at the 2026 World Cup, also delivered an emotional tribute to his international team-mates.

“To all my England team-mates, it has been a special year. It has not been a perfect year, but we have shared a lot of good moments,” he said.

“We have built a strong bond and enjoyed a great team spirit, both in the way we play and in the way we have connected. It is a real honour to play alongside you and to captain you.

“This award is definitely for all of us.”

He then thanked England manager Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff for their leadership.

“To Thomas Tuchel and the coaching staff, thank you for leading us and for the way you push us forward and raise the standards of performance. It is an honour for me to represent you,” Kane said.

Kane reserved his final thanks for his family, beginning with his wife, Kate.

“To my wife Kate, my best friend, we have gone through ups and downs together. You are my biggest supporter, and I felt you wanted this award more than I did,” he said.

“The anxious wait has been long, but here we are. We have done it. You always want the best for me and sacrifice yourself to help me achieve my dreams.

“This achievement would not have been possible without you. It is something we can celebrate together, not my achievement alone. We are one team, and I cannot wait to celebrate tonight. I love you.”

Addressing his children, Kane joked: “To my children watching at home, it is definitely past your bedtime. Ivy, Vivian, Louis and Henry, you are the reason I do everything.

“This is a special award, and I cannot wait to take it home and celebrate with you. I love you very much.”