Indian cricketer Virat Kohli praised England striker Harry Kane for his resilience, hard work, and honesty after the Bayern Munich forward won the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Kohli shared the message on X despite the backlash surrounding the award, celebrating Kane’s achievement and his journey at the highest level.

Kane also won the Gerd Müller Trophy for his goalscoring exploits during the 2025-26 season. Meanwhile, Kohli has returned to the nets ahead of Team India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand in early November, as the team continues its preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Virat Kohli Congratulates Harry Kane on Ballon d’Or Triumph

Virat Kohli praised Harry Kane’s journey and character, saying the England captain deserved the recognition for his sustained efforts in European football. The former India captain also extended his wishes to Kane’s family and celebrated the striker’s achievement.

"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," Kohli wrote.

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…

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 27, 2026

Kane ended a 25-year wait for an English winner of the Ballon d’Or. He became the fifth player from England to win the award, joining Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Michael Owen.

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