The Prince of Wales has sent a personal message of congratulations to Harry Kane after the England captain won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, ending a 25-year drought for the nation. The 33-year-old Bayern Munich forward was crowned the winner at a ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday night, beating global stars Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
Royal Praise for the England Captain
Prince William, a devoted football fan and patron of the Football Association, took to Instagram to celebrate the historic moment. Signing off with his personal 'W' initial, he wrote: "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."
Kane's victory marks the first time an English player has taken home the France Football prize since Michael Owen in 2001.
An Emotional Triumph
A visibly emotional Kane described the triumph as beyond his "wildest dreams" and promised to try to win it again next year. Cheers erupted around the Palladium when Brazilian legend Ronaldo read out the England hero's name.
The win follows a stunning 2025-26 campaign in which Kane scored 73 goals for club and country, secured two trophies with Bayern Munich, and led the Three Lions to a third-place finish at the World Cup.
A Remarkable Journey
The accolade adds another chapter to Kane's career, which included early rejection by Arsenal and difficult loan spells before his breakthrough at boyhood club Tottenham.
