Harry Kane explains 'massive' Tottenham role in Ballon d'Or win

Kane credits Tottenham's development pathway for his Ballon d'Or win after scoring 73 goals in 2025/26.

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or after an exceptional 2025/26 season in which he scored 73 goals for club and country. The Bayern Munich striker becomes just the fifth Englishman to win football's top individual honour, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, and Michael Owen.

In an interview after the award ceremony at London's Palladium, Kane thanked Tottenham for their role in his development. He spent his early career on loan at Leicester City, Norwich City, and Millwall before breaking into Spurs' first team at 21, eventually scoring 280 goals in 435 games for the club. Kane moved to Bayern Munich in 2023 for a €110 million package and has since averaged nearly a goal per game, with 156 goals in 159 appearances.

"Tottenham played a massive role in my development and me being where I am now," Kane said. "I made that step in my career to improve and be better, and it's definitely paid off." He described winning the award as "incredible" and shared a message on social media: "Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise" — a quote he said sums up his career philosophy of improving behind the scenes.