Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has won the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his incredible 2025/26 campaign, finishing ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Here's what Kane and those who know him best had to say about his momentous achievement.

Harry Kane: “It’s an honour to play for Bayern Munich. To represent you is a real privilege. I’m glad to be bringing this trophy back to Bayern Munich. Without you guys and the rest of the team, it wouldn't be possible, the way you guys push me, the way we compete. Since I’ve been with you, I have improved as a player, improved as a person and a leader. Thanks to your leadership. So thank you very much.

“Not many people would have thought it and maybe even myself wouldn’t have thought I’d be this far. I had to go through many ups and downs, especially early in my career. I was never the person that people thought was going to be the superstar like some of the guys now. I had to bide my time and work hard. A lot of times it was me against my own mind and I had to come through it. I had to show self-belief, determination. I think that grounded me, even when I did make it at the highest level to keep improving and keep getting better. No matter what I achieve, how many goals I score, winning the Ballon d’Or, it's always about getting better. This is a showcase of that.”

Thomas Tuchel (England and ex-Bayern coach): “I ran out of superlatives to describe your performances a long time ago, but I'm delighted to see that you have now been formally recognised by the football world. To become the first Englishman to win this huge honour in 25 years makes it extra special and we are lucky to have you as our leader. I know you will enjoy this moment with your loved ones and then get back to doing what you do best – scoring goals and winning football matches.”

Prince William: “Huge congratulations to Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or! What a fantastic achievement and so deserved. A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments.”

Herbert Hainer (Bayern president): “This is a proud day for Bayern. Harry can do everything. He scores so many goals. He’s now among the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – that says it all about our story together. The club and Harry found each other, have grown together and are now achieving the highest goals. We’re proud that he’s a part of our Bayern family in every facet as an outstanding sportsman and a person. Some players wear a shirt – Harry wears his teams.”

Jan-Christian Dreesen (Bayern CEO): “Harry more than deserves this title. He’s been breaking record after record for years. And beyond his many goals and assists, we really value the brilliant character he brings. For a player from a German club to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 30 years is a strong signal for the Bundesliga. Harry is one of the great personalities of world football and a role model to all, far beyond the game.”

Max Eberl (Bayern board member for sport): “Harry is an asset to Bayern and would be to any team in the world. He takes responsibility, on the pitch and in the dressing room; he’s someone who everyone else follows, day after day. This title is the reward for his impressive career achievements as a whole. Harry deserves every honour in the world, and the fact that he has been presented with the Ballon d’Or here today in his home city sends a wonderful message to everyone that you should never give up.”

Christoph Freund (Bayern sporting director): “We’re all delighted with Harry’s performances. It’s not just his goals that make him an exceptional footballer, and it’s not just on the pitch that he’s a special character. Harry is a great guy. You very rarely come across someone like him – world-class yet so down-to-earth. Harry has taken the centre-forward role to a whole new level. He’s an inspiration, especially for young players. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest in football history.”

Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel (Bundesliga CEOs): “Harry Kane is one of the most outstanding players of his generation. He embodies an extraordinary commitment to excellence and continues to inspire millions of football fans around the world time and again. No one deserves the 2026 Ballon d’Or more than Harry Kane. It is a tremendous pleasure to watch him week in, week out in the Bundesliga.”

Luis Díaz: "Harry deserves everything. A great player, a great person. It makes me proud to know that we contributed to him winning the Ballon d'Or"

Lothar Matthäus (1990 Ballon d'Or winner): “I’m glad Harry won the Ballon d’Or – otherwise it would’ve been an almost entirely Spanish fiesta in London. Just as Bayern and the Bundesliga benefit from Kane, the reverse is also true. I don’t think Kane would’ve won the Ballon d’Or at any other club he could’ve joined. He’s developed further at Bayern and matured even more. He’s become a better player there, as he himself said in his speech. At Bayern, he won his very first title, with more to follow – and now he’s fulfilled a lifelong dream. The only thing missing now is a Champions League victory...”

Alan Shearer (former England captain): “It was brilliant to hear Harry’s speech. It was so well deserved. He hasn’t always had things all his own way. He’s had to go around it the hard way. He had to start out the hard way by someone telling him, ‘you’re not quite good enough. You’re going to have to work a lot harder to get to where you want to’. He did that. He went out on loan. He worked harder than anyone else. He’s got to the very top, and now he’s the best player in the world. That’s what dedication does for you. And it’s a message to everyone. He’s been scoring goals at a phenomenal rate for so many years. Harry’s just normal. Others have had social media campaigns. Harry’s just been Harry and just gone about his business, going onto the pitch and scoring goals for Bayern Munich and England. That’s why he deserves it.”