Kane hailed as hero at Bayern after winning Ballon d'Or, knighthood discussed

Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday, becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to claim the award.

Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday evening, defeating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal for the prestigious individual award. He returned to Bayern Munich's training ground the following day, where he was welcomed as a hero by players and staff.

Kane is the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or in 25 years. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered congratulations through a spokesperson, calling it "a special achievement" and noting that "everyone agrees Kane has meant enormously much to English football."

There has been speculation about a potential knighthood, though the government declined to comment on the possibility. A spokesperson said: "As always, we do not want to get ahead of the process around royal honours." Kane would join 16 other figures from football who have received the honour, including David Beckham, Bobby Charlton, Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish and Gareth Southgate.