Cricket superstar Virat Kohli has taken to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to lavish praise on England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, following Kane's momentous win of the 2026 Ballon d'Or award. The personal message from Kohli, posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, underscored the deep mutual respect between the two sporting titans, with Kohli addressing Kane warmly as "my friend". Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or 2026, Crowned World's Best Men's Footballer.

Virat Kohli Congratulates Harry Kane on 2026 Ballon d'Or Win

Harry my friend, you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which you’ve carried yourself through all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you. God bless you and your family. They must all be very proud of you as you would be of your own journey. My best wishes always. Congratulations 👏❤️ @HKane

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 27, 2026

Kane, aged 33, made history by becoming the first English player in 25 years to lift football's most coveted individual honour since Michael Owen in 2001. The ceremony, held at the illustrious London Palladium on Monday, October 26, 2026, saw Kane triumph over formidable contenders, including Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Virat Kohli's Heartfelt Tribute

Kohli's message, shared widely across social media, resonated with fans of both sports. He lauded Kane's journey and enduring qualities, writing: "Harry my friend, you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which you've carried yourself through all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you. God bless you and your family. They must all be very proud of you as you would be of your own journey. My best wishes always. Congratulations ❤️ @HKane". This emotional tribute highlights the genuine camaraderie that has developed between the two athletes over the years.

Harry Kane's Stellar Season

Harry Kane's 2025-26 season was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in his Ballon d'Or victory. His prolific goal-scoring for both club and country was a key factor in securing the award.

Statistic	Number
Goals (Club & Country)	73 (in 65 appearances)

Kane's exceptional form saw him guide Bayern Munich to a domestic double, securing the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles. He also played a pivotal role in England's impressive third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli Chant ‘Hari Naam’ As They Make Rare Appearance at Krishna Das’ Mumbai Kirtan.

A Bond Beyond Borders

The public display of affection from Kohli is not new; the two global sporting figures have shared a mutual admiration for several years. Their connection dates back to 2016 when Kane publicly praised Kohli's batting prowess. They eventually met in person at Lord's in May 2019, further cementing their bond.

Kane's victory marks a significant moment for English football, and the warm wishes from an international sporting icon like Virat Kohli only add to the grandeur of this well-deserved honour. His consistent performance and dedication have finally been crowned with football's highest individual prize.