Sir Kane? UK Prime Minister's office hints at future knighthood for England captain

On October 28, according to multiple British media reports, a spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister's Office hinted in an interview that Kane could receive a knighthood in the future, praising the England captain for his "extraordinary achievement." Shortly before, Kane became the first England player in 25 years to win the Ballon d'Or.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended praise and congratulations to the England captain. Kane was announced as the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or winner at a ceremony on Monday evening local time.

The UK Prime Minister's Office expressed hope that this honor would be a start and that Kane could "soon" celebrate another trophy with the England team. This remark alludes to expectations for England to win the 2028 European Championship, which England will co-host with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, is the first England player to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister wishes to congratulate Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or. To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement. And to win it on home soil makes it an even more special moment."

"It is 70 years since Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural Ballon d'Or. This honor caps off an exceptional season for Kane. He has consistently set an excellent example for young players across the country, and the Prime Minister believes the entire nation will be incredibly proud of him. We also hope to have the opportunity to celebrate another trophy with the England team soon."

When asked whether Starmer hoped Kane would be knighted, the spokesperson replied: "I think everyone would agree that Kane has made an enormous contribution to English football. This is a very special moment for him personally and for our entire country. He is undoubtedly an outstanding representative and role model for British sport. However, as always, I refrain from commenting on the honors process in advance."

Kane received the Ballon d'Or award at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday evening local time.

Kane is the fifth England player to win the Ballon d'Or; previous winners include Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Charlton.

Starmer does not have direct authority to decide whether to grant Kane a knighthood, but various UK government departments and ministers can submit recommendations to the Honors Committee, and members of the general public also have this right. Members of the sports honors committee include TV presenter Sue Barker and Football Foundation CEO Robert Sullivan.

Kane currently holds an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). He received this honor in 2018 after the England team reached the World Cup semifinals.

Footballers are typically not knighted until after they retire. Former England captain Sir David Beckham and former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate were both knighted last year.

Before them, the most recent football figure to be knighted was former Scottish player and Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish.

Owen, who also played for Liverpool, has not yet been knighted. Kevin Keegan, a former Newcastle United legend player and manager who also served as England captain and manager, has also not received this honor.