Kane awarded Freedom of the City of London

Harry Kane was honoured on Thursday evening as he was given the Freedom of the City of London.

A tradition that is believed to date back to 1237, Harry has been recognised for his outstanding sporting achievements.

The award commemorates Harry's success for both Club and country. From his three Premier League Golden Boots and Playmaker award to captaining England to a first-ever European Championship final in 2021 and a first World Cup semi-final in a generation in 2018, the Academy graduate has enjoyed an incredible career to date.

Since being announced as a recipient of the award in November, the Walthamstow-born forward has become both our all-time top goalscorer and England's. He has also risen to second in the Premier League's all-time scoring chart with 211 in the competition - 49 behind Alan Shearer's record of 260.

Presented the award at the Guildhall in the heart of the City of London, Harry, who was also awarded an MBE for services to football in 2019, said: “I am extremely grateful to receive the Freedom of the City of London award, and to know that my sporting achievements are appreciated by so many. This recognition is a proud moment for me and my family, who were at the ceremony, and I enjoyed meeting those who put forward nominations.

“This award serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication are crucial for success and motivates me to continue making a difference across the country and in the city that I love and grew up in.”

Very proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony yesterday and it was special to have my family there with me too. I hope it can inspire others in all walks of life to be the best they can be. pic.twitter.com/duyS7mfB7t

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 26, 2023

About the Freedom of the City

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

In August, it was announced that the entire England Women’s Football Team will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, following its 2-1 win over Germany in the European Championship Final at Wembley.

Recent high-profile recipients of the Freedom include former England cricketer, Sajid Mahmood; Nobel Prize-winning mathematical physicist, Professor Sir Roger Penrose; and singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran.