Harry Kane dedicates 2026 Ballon dOr to England team-mates and Thomas Tuchel

Harry Kane shared his 2026 Ballon d’Or triumph with England, thanking his international team-mates and Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff for helping him achieve the honour.

The England captain received the award from Brazilian legend Ronaldo, while the Football Association marked the occasion by lighting the arch at Wembley Stadium in gold.

In his speech, Kane reflected on the journey he had taken with the national team and said the prize was the result of collective effort rather than an individual achievement.

“To all my England team-mates, it has been a special year,” said Kane. “It has not been perfect, but we have experienced many good moments. We have built a strong bond and felt a great sense of togetherness, whether in the way we trained and played or in the atmosphere we shared in the hotel during the World Cup.”

Kane said captaining England was a source of immense pride and insisted the award belonged to the whole squad.

“It is a real honour to be your captain,” he added. “That makes me extremely proud, so this award is definitely for all of us.”

The striker also paid tribute to Tuchel and the rest of the England staff, praising the way they had encouraged the players to improve and set higher standards.

“To Thomas Tuchel and the England coaching staff, once again, thank you,” Kane said. “The leadership style and the way you motivate us and push us to raise our standards is something to admire. It is an honour to represent you and the England badge in the way that you do.”

Kane ended his address by thanking Debbie Hewitt, chair of The Football Association, as well as everyone working for the organisation.

He said representing and leading England was a great privilege, adding to a night in which Wembley was illuminated in gold in recognition of his Ballon d’Or success.