Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or win continues to spark numerous reactions in the soccer world. After the FC Bayern striker narrowly edged out Kylian Mbappé in the vote for the world’s best soccer player, José Mourinho has now weighed in as well. The star Portuguese coach knows both players very well and had remarkably emotional words for his former protégé.

At the press conference ahead of the league match against Santander, Mourinho was asked about the Ballon d’Or decision. The coach made no secret of the fact that he would have preferred a different outcome.

After all, it was Mbappé—of all people—one of his own players, who came out on top. Nevertheless, Mourinho showed sportsmanship and expressly congratulated Kane on his historic achievement.

Mourinho: “I’m very happy for Harry”

“I had the privilege of working with Harry, and he is a great player, a great professional, and a great person,” Mourinho gushed about the Bayern striker.

The Portuguese coach knows exactly what he’s talking about. During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he worked with Kane from 2019 to 2021 and witnessed his extraordinary qualities up close.

Even back then, the English national team player was among the most dangerous attackers in Europe. Under Mourinho, he further developed into a striker who not only scores goals himself but also sets up his teammates.

That Kane has now been awarded the Ballon d’Or is therefore a source of particular joy for his former coach. “Of course, I’m frustrated that my player, [Mbappé], didn’t win, but I also have to be honest and say that I’m very happy for Harry, because he’s a player and a person who deserves it—at 31 or 32 years old, he deserves such a moment of joy in his career.”

What’s particularly noteworthy here is that, despite his personal connection to Mbappé, Mourinho expressly respects the journalists’ decision.

Kane Caps Off His Career at Bayern Munich

For Kane, winning the Ballon d’Or is the greatest individual achievement of his career to date.

The 33-year-old prevailed in the voting with 1,055 points over Mbappé, who scored 1,027 points. The Bayern star thus won one of the closest races in the award’s history.

At the same time, Kane ended a long drought for the German record champions. The last Bayern player to win the coveted Golden Ball was Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

Kane’s development since his move to Munich has been particularly remarkable. The Englishman has not only established himself as a reliable goal-scorer but also plays a central role in building up play.

Under Vincent Kompany, Kane enjoys a great deal of freedom, regularly drops back into midfield, and is heavily involved in the team’s passing game.

His extraordinary versatility likely played an important role in the Ballon d’Or voting as well.

For Mourinho, at any rate, it’s clear that the award went to the right player—even if he would have preferred to see Mbappé take home the prize.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/31/er-hat-es-verdient-mourinho-reagiert-auf-kanes-ballon-dor-triumph/.