Winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or was an overwhelming moment for Harry Kane. The English striker told, in an interview given to France Football magazine, what he felt in the moments before the announcement of the winner, but also how he reacted when Ronaldo Nazario said his name at the gala organized in London, according to News.ro.
“I was nervous. I really was. My heart was beating really fast. It’s completely different to the stress you feel before a big game, when you know you can influence the result by playing well or scoring. At that point, I just had to wait for the right moment,” admitted Kane.
The Bayern Munich striker said his emotions peaked when he heard his name.
“When he said my name, all emotions overwhelmed me at once: relief, happiness… I didn’t quite know how to react. I was completely overwhelmed. I had never experienced anything like this before,” said the footballer.
Kane also spoke about the messages of encouragement he received before the ceremony, which showed him how many people supported his candidacy.
“Everyone was telling me I deserved it and wishing me luck. That almost made me want to win even more because I could see all the support I had,” explained the Englishman.
Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal after an outstanding season both individually and with his team.
The 33-year-old England captain had impressive numbers: 73 goals in 65 games. In addition, together with Bayern Munich, he won the championship, the German Cup and the Supercup, and with the England national team he finished the World Cup in third place.
Kane is the first England player to win the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, the previous being Michael Owen, who won in 2001.
He thus becomes the fifth Englishman in history to receive the trophy, after Stanley Matthews (1956), Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979) and Michael Owen (2001).
Upon receiving the trophy, Kane admitted that the moment was all the more special because of where the ceremony took place.
“I’m almost at a loss for words. Being here in London made this moment even more special. It was a good sign for me tonight. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I imagine it’s been tough this year. There are some world-class players in the room tonight. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight and for what determination and hard work really can achieve assiduous,” said Harry Kane.
