Harry Kane names Virat Kohli among idols after winning Ballon d'Or
The Bayern Munich striker expressed gratitude for congratulatory messages from several prominent sports and entertainment figures.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane said that a congratulatory message from Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli was among those from people he admires after he won the Ballon d'Or. Kane received the award at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on October 26.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, November 3, Kane was asked if any messages left him star-struck. He mentioned Kohli, David Beckham, Tom Brady, and his friend Ed Sheeran as people he looks up to.
Kane said he was extremely grateful for the messages and noted that he underestimated the scale of the support. He described the outpouring on social media as overwhelming.
The 33-year-old became the first English player to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. Kane finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal in the voting after scoring 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country.
According to reports from Times Now and News18, Kohli congratulated Kane on X, praising his resilience, hard work, and honesty. Kohli wrote that Kane deserves the award for how he has carried himself while playing football at the top.
Lamine Yamal secured the men's young talent award for the third consecutive year. Lionel Messi finished in fifth place in the voting, according to Moneycontrol.
