Kane lifts Ballon d’Or after staying in the shadows
While Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé led the public conversation before the gala, Harry Kane stayed in the shadows, working behind the scenes; that discretion became the key that allowed the English striker to lift the Ballon d'Or in one of the tightest editions.
The most talked‑about candidates
Before the ceremony began, the media pointed to three names as favorites: Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. The images by Kin Cheung and reporter Natalia Pérez of Ap‑LaPresse captured the moment when Kane received the Ballon d'Or.
While Yamal and Mbappé launched campaigns to explain why they deserved the award, the English striker chose to stay away from the decision, preferring to work behind the “scenes”. That discretion, according to him, may have been one of the keys to his success.
This Tuesday he gave his first words after last night’s gala. “What a special night. An incredible feeling. I’m still trying to take it all in, honestly, but yes, it feels like a dream,” the Englishman said, still unable to believe what he experienced.
Kane recalled the moment when Ronaldo Nazário said his name: “I felt excitement, but above all relief, joy, happiness and hope. The nerves were huge, and being able to share that relief with everyone present in the theatre was very special.”
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Kane’s discreet method
“I like working behind the scenes. Sometimes, when no one is watching you, it’s the best time to improve, and then let everything else explode on the pitch,” the striker said, noting that winning the award proves his philosophy.
When asked about the influence of his former club, Tottenham, and his 2023 move to Bayern Munich, Kane replied: “Tottenham has been fundamental in my development; the move to Bayern has been a great personal and professional leap, and it has borne fruit.”
The player thanked the support received, from social media to the fans who attended the theatre in London: “I can’t thank you enough. This award belongs to all of us.”
For years he was considered a player who preferred to stay unnoticed, even labelled unlucky. The Ballon d'Or gala showed that he doesn’t need to attract attention to be recognized as the best player in the world.