Kane's Acceptance Speech: I wouldn't be here without Tottenham; anything is possible with a dream

At the 2026 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, Bayern Munich forward Kane received the Men's Ballon d'Or Award. In his acceptance speech, Kane thanked Bayern Munich, the England national team, Tottenham Hotspur, all the coaches who had helped him throughout his career, as well as his family and fans. He stated that the trophy belonged not only to him but also to his wife and entire family.

Kane's Acceptance Speech:

First of all, to be honest, I'm almost speechless with excitement. Luckily, I prepared this little card.

First, thanks to France Football and the Ballon d'Or organizers for hosting this wonderful ceremony. To lift the trophy in Paris tonight is especially meaningful to me. Thank you very much.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine how fierce the competition was this year. There are so many incredible players and top superstars here tonight, including my club and England teammates, who are among the best players in world football. My sincere thanks to everyone who voted for me.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees tonight. We know the perseverance and hard work that goes into this, so congratulations to all of you.

Thank you to Bayern Munich, and thank you to my teammates. Some of you are here tonight, and I'm truly grateful to you, as well as to the other teammates who couldn't make it. I could never have stood here without you. You push me forward in every training session and every match each week. Playing alongside you makes me better and makes me want to constantly improve. Thank you.

And Kompany, I know you're at home tonight, possibly still recovering. I hope you're doing well, and I hope this trophy can bring you some strength.

Thank you to Kompany and the entire coaching staff. The way you push us in training makes this honor yours as well. Since working with you, I've not only made great strides as a player but also improved in my leadership and character, all thanks to your excellent guidance.

Thank you to Jan-Christian Dreesen, Herbert Hainer, and the board and management of Bayern Munich. I know some of you couldn't make it tonight. It's an honor to play for this club, and it's a true privilege to represent you. Therefore, I am honored and proud to bring this Ballon d'Or trophy back to Bayern Munich.

Thank you to all my England teammates, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who are here tonight. This has been a special year, though not perfect, but we've had many wonderful moments. In regular training and intense matches, our excellent team has built incredibly strong bonds. It's a true honor and immense source of pride for me to captain and lead you at the World Cup. So, this victory also belongs to you.

Thank you to Tuchel and the England coaching staff for your leadership and the way you push us forward to be better. It's a true honor for me to play for you and wear the England jersey. Gareth Southgate, if you're here tonight, thank you very much for everything you've done. And to the FA, the entire FA team, it's the pride of my life to captain this team.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Tottenham Hotspur. Without Spurs, I absolutely wouldn't be where I am today. From the age of 11, it was the guidance given to me by Spurs and all the coaches that allowed me to gradually achieve my childhood dream.

All the ups and downs experienced during those years shaped who I am today. Without that journey, I would never be standing here, so I sincerely thank Spurs.

Thank you to all the fans: Bayern Munich fans, England fans, Tottenham Hotspur fans, and all the fans around the world who support me. Many of you are sitting here tonight. Whether on or off the pitch or on social media, I'm incredibly grateful for your support. Not long ago, I was just a passionate young fan with dreams of playing football. Therefore, every time I can give back to everyone with my performance on the field, it's an honor and a privilege.

Additionally, I want to pay tribute to all the coaches I've worked with throughout my career. If I accidentally missed anyone, I sincerely apologize. I want to start with Bradley Allen, Chris Ramsey, John McDermott who is here tonight, Alex Inglethorpe, Tim Sherwood, Ryan Mason who is here tonight, Kenny Jackett, Russell Slade, Harry Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, and of course, Kompany and Tuchel. Each of you played a crucial role in my growth and development at different stages of my life. Without any of you, I wouldn't be on this podium tonight. This proves that when you surround yourself with the best coaches, they make you better both as a person and as a player. Thank you all.

Next are some more personal thanks. Thank you Dr. Alejandro and Carlo. You're also here tonight, and we've been working together for seven years. Our collaboration began during my hamstring injury, when you were a light in my dark times. The unseen work on the physiotherapy table, away from family, built our deep bond and friendship. It's an honor to work with you, thank you very much.

Thank you to Kelly, Gary, and Tom—my wife's parents and brother. Thank you very much. I know how much steadfast support you've given me, and we've been through all the joys and sorrows together. Since I walked into your home at 18, I've always felt like a part of the family. Having your support off the field allows me to give my all on the field. Thank you.

Thank you to my brother Charlie, who is also here tonight. It feels like just yesterday we were playing football in the backyard, in the park, watching games, talking about football. I know you passed on a lot of your football talent to me, so thank you very much. That unwavering support from my brother has helped me overcome the difficulties of long journeys and being apart. Thank you.

Dad, Mom, you're also here tonight. What an unforgettable moment. Looking back over the years, all the sacrifices you made, all the support you gave me—taking me to training, coming to watch my games, traveling all over England, and even as far as Germany. No matter where I was, you were there through thick and thin, and still are today. You never pressured me to become a professional player; you always taught me to work hard, constantly improve, and keep learning. It's these qualities you instilled in me that have led to tonight's success. I love you, thank you very much.

Excuse me everyone, I have two more things to say, addressed to the children watching at home. It's well past your bedtime now, especially since the ceremony was delayed a bit tonight. Ivy, Vivienne, Louis, and Henry, you know, you are my entire motivation. I've brought some trophies home before, but this one is really special. I can't wait to go home and celebrate with you. I always try to be a good role model, a good father, and an excellent professional player, to show you what hard work means and what it means to believe in yourselves. I love you.

Finally, I want to thank my wife Kate, who is also my best friend. We've been through so many ups and downs together, but you've always been my strongest support. I think you wanted this Ballon d'Or even more than I did! You were so nervous before, and I know it wasn't easy, but look, we did it! You always want the best for me, sacrificing yourself to fulfill my dreams, and I know my dreams have long become yours. None of this would be possible without you. This trophy doesn't belong to me alone; it belongs to both of us, to our entire family. Thank you, I love you, and I can't wait to celebrate with you tonight.

Lastly, I want to talk about the journey itself. Looking back at all the paths I've taken, I want to tell every boy and girl with a dream: anything is possible. When you silently work hard in unnoticed corners, when you overcome all setbacks and low points, when you show resilience, determination, and self-belief, nothing is impossible. My path to the top was by no means smooth; it was full of twists and turns. I experienced many loan spells, and the journey was difficult, which is precisely what made me who I am today. I hope this experience can inspire some children. Thank you all very much.