Bayern bosses congratulate Kane on Ballon d'Or triumph

Harry Kane lifted the 2026 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in London on Monday night, becoming the first Bayern Munich player to win the prestigious award since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in 1981.

It was therefore a momentous occasion not only for Kane, but also for the German champions, with several of the club’s leading figures paying tribute to their star striker.

“This is a proud day for FC Bayern. Harry Kane can do it all – and he scores goals, goals and more goals. He now joins a line with Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – that says everything about our history,” said FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer in a statement.

“The club and Harry Kane have got together, grown together and achieved the highest aims together. We are proud that this all-round outstanding sportsman and person is part of our FC Bayen family. Harry Kane carries his teams. Congratulations to all our other nominees: to our women’s and men’s players as well as to Vincent Kompany!”

Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen also praised Kane’s achievements, highlighting the significance of a player from a German club winning football’s most prestigious individual honour.

“Harry Kane more than deserves this title. He’s been breaking one record after the other for years, and beyond his many goals and assists, we really value the brilliant character he brings,” said Dreesen. 

“For a player from a German club to win the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 30 years is a strong signal for the Bundesliga: Harry Kane is one of the great personalities of world football and a role model to all, far beyond the game. Overall, our many nominees from the men’s and women’s team, including our coach Vincent Kompany, prove what outstanding seasons our sides had.”

Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund also congratulated the England captain, with Eberl emphasising Kane’s influence both on and off the pitch.

“Harry Kane is an asset to FC Bayern and would be to any team in the world. He takes responsibility, on the pitch and in the dressing room; he’s someone who everyone else follows, day after day. This title is the reward for his impressive career achievements as a whole. Harry deserves every honour in the world, and the fact that he has been presented with the Ballon d’Or here today in his home city sends a wonderful message to everyone, that you should never give up. We’re delighted with all the nominations – FC Bayern is a stage for world-class talent,” said Eberl.

Freund, meanwhile, praised Kane’s all-round qualities and the example he sets for aspiring footballers.

“We’re all delighted with Harry Kane’s performance,” added Freund. 

“It’s not just his goals that make him an exceptional footballer, and it’s not just on the pitch that he’s a special character. Harry is a great guy, you very rarely come across someone like him: world-class yet so down-to-earth. Harry has taken the centre-forward role to a whole new level – he’s an inspiration, especially for young players. He’s undoubtedly one of the greatest in football history.”