Harry Kane, who has been named Ballon d'Or 2026, gave an emotional and humble speech during the award ceremony in London. The English striker, who scored 73 goals throughout the season between Bayern Munich and the English national team, thanked the voters and the players with whom he competed, underlining the value of perseverance and belief in oneself.
Kane opened his speech by recognizing the importance of Bayern Munich in his career. He thanked the club for its constant support and sent a message of encouragement to Thiago Kompany, who was hospitalized. “It is an honor to play for Bayern and bring this trophy back to Munich,” he commented, emphasizing the connection with the team and the city. Likewise, he made a special mention of the English team, describing the year as “very special” despite its difficulties, and highlighted his pride in having been captain of the national team.
The forward also recalled his time at Tottenham Hotspur, where he began his professional career at the age of 11. “I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham,” he said, recognizing the club's role in his development and the realization of his dreams. In a reflective tone, he echoed the influence of his coaches, noting that surrounding himself with the best allowed him to grow both as a player and as a person.
On a personal level, Kane dedicated a few words to his family. He spoke about his wife, Katie Goodland, whom he described as his “best friend” and the person who has supported him the most through the ups and downs. He also mentioned his children and in-laws, thanking them for the sacrifices that have allowed him to achieve his goals. “This trophy is also yours,” he said emotionally, before closing with a message for the young footballers.
Kane's final message was aimed at the next generation of players. He stressed that his rise to the top was not instantaneous, but the result of a path full of challenges. “For young people who want to achieve their dreams, you have to believe in yourself,” he concluded, inviting them to persevere and value each step of the journey. With the award of the Ballon d'Or, Kane made it clear that success is built with hard work, family support and unwavering faith in one's own abilities.