Harry Kane dedicated his 2026 Ballon d’Or to his England team-mates and the coaching staff led by Thomas Tuchel, saying the award was the result of collective effort rather than an individual achievement.
The Football Association celebrated its captain by lighting the arch at Wembley Stadium gold, while Kane reflected on his journey with England during his speech after receiving the award from Brazilian great Ronaldo.
“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 built a strong bond and felt a real sense of togetherness, whether in the way we trained and played or in the atmosphere we shared at the hotel during the World Cup.”
Kane, who captains the Three Lions, added: “It is a real honour to be your captain. That makes me incredibly proud, so this award is definitely for all of us.”
He also thanked Tuchel and the members of the England coaching staff, praising the leadership they had provided and the way they had encouraged the players to improve and raise their standards.
“To Thomas Tuchel and the England coaching staff, once again, thank you,” Kane said. “The way you lead us, and the way you motivate and push us to raise our standards, deserves great admiration. It is an honour for me to represent you and to represent the England badge in the way that you do.”
Kane concluded by thanking Debbie Hewitt, chair of The Football Association, along with everyone working for the organisation.
He said representing and leading England was a great honour, underlining the importance he placed on the national team as he celebrated the most significant individual award of his career.
