Son Heung-min sprints onto pitch at Los Angeles to celebrate Kane's Ballon d'Or

Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday evening, and thousands of kilometres away from the ceremony, his former Tottenham strike partner Son Heung-min experienced the moment with particular intensity from Los Angeles FC’s facilities.

A video captured in the California club’s gym shows the South Korean player abruptly leaving his teammates upon hearing of the English striker’s triumph, then sprinting onto the pitch as if he had just found the back of the net. A spontaneous reaction that speaks volumes about the bond forged between the two players over eight seasons together in Spurs colours, from 2015 to 2023.

Kane and Son formed one of the most prolific attacking duos in Premier League history. Together, they came close to collective glory — finalists in the UEFA Champions League in 2019 against Liverpool, finalists in the English League Cup in 2021 — without ever lifting a trophy. It was ultimately Son, who became captain after Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich, who secured the London club’s first major title by winning the UEFA Europa League in 2025.

Their friendship survived the separation. A few days ago, Kane spoke about their relationship during an Instagram live: “With Sonny, we’re always in touch. I think he’s been one of my favourite players I’ve shared the pitch with, we had an incredible connection, off the pitch as well. He’s an amazing guy, so we’re always in touch today. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.”

The 2026 Ballon d’Or crowns an extraordinary trajectory for Kane, who went from Tottenham’s academy to become one of the most decisive strikers of his generation. Son, meanwhile, continues his career in MLS at 32 years old, seemingly as invested in his friend’s successes as he was on Premier League pitches.