London [UK], October 28: Harry Kane described Monday's Ballon d'Or triumph as beyond his "wildest dreams" - and then promised to try to win it again next year.
Kane was a popular winner of the 70th Ballon d'Or during a ceremony at London Palladium with enormous cheers when former Brazil forward Ronaldo read out the name of England's captain.
A stunning 2025-26 campaign where Kane scored 73 goals for club and country, won two trophies with Bayern Munich and led England to third place at the World Cup, helped the 33-year-old beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the prestigious award.
It made Kane the first English player since Michael Owen in 2001 to receive the accolade from France Football.
After Kane followed in the footsteps of Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Owen in sealing Ballon d'Or glory, he vowed to aim to retain the trophy in 12 months' time.
"My heart was beating fast and I was just hoping he would say my name. I mean, what a legend, Ronaldo was one of my idols growing up, so for him to be the one to present me the award, it's a dream come true," Kane said.
"Honestly just so many amazing feelings and to share these moments with my friends and with my family who are here. Yeah, I would say it's a dream come true, but it's beyond my wildest dreams.
"To be at the very top level, you have to sacrifice some time and some things so this trophy is reward for all those people in my life. The way I train, the way I play, it is always like I am 15 and 16 with a point to prove.
"Yeah, that's got me to winning this amazing trophy. Even now, winning this, already I am thinking about, 'OK, let's see if we can be even better and let's see if I can win it again?'
London City Lionesses and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas, who won the women's Ballon d'Or award for a record-equalling third time, said: "All the boys and girls around the world - if you love football and if you want to play football, play football. It doesn't matter if you're a boy or if you're a girl."
Source: Qatar Tribune
