Harry Kane has revealed he would accept a knighthood but would prefer people not to call him 'Sir'. The Bayern Munich striker, who won the Ballon d'Or on Monday night, became the first Englishman to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001.
His 73-goal season, along with his standout World Cup campaign and Bundesliga title, helped him secure the prize. Kane edged out Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal for the honour.
Kane on a potential knighthood
Talk of a knighthood has emerged following his win, and Kane shared his views with BILD. "I certainly wouldn't say no - I really appreciate it. If it came to that, it would be incredible and something I'd be incredibly proud of. But I don't want to get too carried away with it right now," he said.
When asked how 'Sir Harry Kane' sounded, the 33-year-old replied: "It sounds good, but it would feel kind of strange if everyone called me Sir - so for now, I'll just stick with Harry."
Rivals react to the award
Kane's rivals offered their reactions to the result. Lamine Yamal, who collected his own Kopa trophy, wrote on social media: "Congratulations to the winners. My focus now returns to what's important, to make FC Barcelona win again."
Mbappe has remained quiet, instead sharing a photograph of himself in formal attire at the ceremony on Instagram.
Kane plans gifts for team-mates
Kane expressed his eagerness to return home to his family and show his four children the Ballon d'Or. "I'm really looking forward to seeing them again and showing them the trophy. I already know they'll try to play with it or pick it up - and it's quite heavy! I guess I'll have to keep an eye on that this time," he said.
He also thanked his Bayern team-mates for their reception upon his return, as they formed a guard of honour ahead of the DFB-Pokal fixture against Magdeburg. "It's strange. I don't usually enjoy that sort of thing. When I went out to warm up and everyone was standing there applauding - I don't know, it's almost a little embarrassing. But of course, I realise it's a big deal," Kane added.
The England captain intends to show his appreciation to both his club and international colleagues with gifts. "Some of the guys have asked for watches or something similar - so I'll have to come up with something nice for them, both at Bayern and with the England national team. I'll take care of it; I'll definitely get everyone a nice present," he said.
