Tottenham Hotspur have marked Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph with a digital mural in the media centre at Hotspur Way.

It has been a surreal week for former Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, who was named the best footballer in the world on Monday, 26 October, when he won the Ballon d’Or.

The legendary striker beat both Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the award, becoming only the seventh British player to win it and the first since Michael Owen in 2001.

Fittingly, his crowning moment came where it all began, as Kane was presented with the Ballon d’Or in London, home to his former club Tottenham.

In his acceptance speech, the Bayern Munich man paid homage to Spurs, the club he joined when he was 11 years old.

He said: “I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur, as well. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tottenham, for sure.

“I was there from 11 years old. [With] all the guidance, the coaches, you allowed me to live my dream. So, for sure, without all those moments together, all the ups and down along the way of that journey has led me to this moment here today. So I just want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur.”

Tottenham honour Harry Kane after Ballon d’Or win

Indeed, Spurs played a major role in Kane’s development, as the Englishman refined his game under a host of different managers.

Not only did he develop lethal finishing, but he also grew into a capable playmaker during his time at N17 under Jose Mourinho.

And while silverware eluded him at Spurs, Kane still made his mark, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances before joining Bayern Munich in 2023.

Tottenham have now commemorated their former striker’s Ballon d’Or win with a picture of him beneath the words “One of our own” in the media centre at Hotspur Way.

Kane’s journey an inspiration for the Spurs academy

Kane’s rise from academy graduate to Ballon d’Or winner should serve as inspiration to the many players coming through the ranks at Spurs.

The Englishman is the perfect example of what any player can achieve if they put their heads down and get to work.

It was certainly not easy for Kane, who had to deal with criticism from the media and fans alike – once dubbed a one-season wonder, while also being mocked for his lack of silverware.

However, he showed his mental strength and put in the work on the training pitch, with the results now clear for everyone to see.

The academy lads, the likes of Mikey Moore, Luca Williams-Barnett and many others, can learn from Kane as they look to break into the Spurs first team and leave their mark.