"I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur" - Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane
Harry Kane paid tribute to our Club for the role we have played in his incredible footballing journey as he was named the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Becoming our first Academy graduate to win the award, Harry's journey in the game began in N17 as he joined our Academy before progressing through our ranks and eventually becoming our greatest ever goalscorer.
Going onto become England's greatest goalscorer in his time with us and now his country's all-time record appearance maker, the forward was crowned the greatest footballer on the planet in a ceremony on Monday night.
After receiving the prestigious prize, the Bayern Munich forward delivered a speech to the audience where he thanked those who had played a role in his journey to earning the Ballon d'Or crown, including the club where it all began.
"I want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur, as well. I wouldn't be where I am today without Tottenham, for sure," he smiled. "I was there from 11 years old. (With) all the guidance, the coaches, you allowed me to live my dream. So, for sure, without all those moments together, all the ups and down along the way of that journey has led me to this moment here today. So I just want to say thank you to Tottenham Hotspur."
Harry also put on record his thanks to a number of his coaches he was trained by from his early days in our Academy.
"I want to give a shout out to some of my coaches that have helped me along the way," he continued. "If I have forgot anyone, I am really sorry. I'll start from the early days: Bradley Allen, Chris Ramsey, John McDermott, who is here tonight, Alex Inglethorpe, Tim Sherwood, Ryan Mason, who is here tonight, one of my best friends, Ryan."