Kane becomes first Englishman to win Ballon d'Or in 25 years as Downing Street hints at knighthood

Harry Kane was crowned the world’s best footballer at the Ballon d’Or ceremony at the London Palladium, becoming the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen claimed it in 2001. The Bayern Munich and England captain, 33, beat France’s Kylian Mbappé and Spain’s Lamine Yamal to lift the coveted trophy.

Accepting the award from Brazilian legend Ronaldo, Kane delivered an emotional speech that drew tears as he paid tribute to his family. He singled out his brother Charlie, joking: “I know you tell me that I got your ability as a footballer so I appreciate that. To have the love and support from an older brother means the world to me.”

He also addressed his four children — Ivy, Henry, Vivienne and Louis — watching from home, and his wife Kate, calling her “my best friend” and “my biggest supporter”. Turning to his parents Pat and Kim, Kane added: “All those years, the sacrifice, following me all around the world, even to this day, you are there for me.”

Kane celebrated into the early hours with his family and told young players in his acceptance speech that “anything was possible” with hard work, acknowledging he had to “fight his way to be the very best”.

England teammates Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice were among the first to offer congratulations, joined by former internationals Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney.

The achievement prompted immediate speculation about a knighthood. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement, and what a moment to do it here at home. Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, it caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a brilliant example to young players across the country.”

Asked directly whether the Prime Minister would support Kane receiving a knighthood, the spokeswoman did not rule it out, saying the whole nation would be “incredibly proud” of him.