Arise Sir Harry? PM answers call for Kane's knighthood after Ballon d'Or triumph

Kane won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Englishman in 25 years to claim the award, prompting fresh calls for a knighthood.

Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first English player to claim the prestigious individual award in 25 years. The England captain's victory, which saw him beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, marks a landmark moment for English football and caps a remarkable season.

Downing Street issued an official tribute, with the Prime Minister's spokeswoman congratulating Kane on the achievement. When pressed on whether Kane should receive a knighthood in recognition of his services to football, the spokeswoman acknowledged that "Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football" but declined to pre-empt the honours process.

Kane's triumph comes exactly 70 years after Stanley Matthews became the first-ever Ballon d'Or recipient. The striker, who established himself as England's all-time leading goalscorer, scored 73 goals for club and country last season. He joins Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen as English Ballon d'Or winners.