Royal football superfan, Prince William, was among the first to congratulate England captain Harry Kane as he was named the best footballer in the world.
Harry Kane became the first British player in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Within minutes of him being named winner at a star studded celebration at the London Palladium, the heir to the throne had taken to social media to send his own congratulations.
The Prince of Wales wrote of the England captain ”Huge congratulations to Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or! What a fantastic achievement and so deserved.”
Prince William continued ”A brilliant captain, a remarkable player and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments”.
It was signed ‘W’.
Ronaldo Nazario announced the winner of one of the most tightly contested Ballon d’Ors in recent years. Harry Kane appeared overwhelmed as the crowd rose to its feet to cheer him as his name was read out.
He’s the first English player to win in 25 years: the last was Michael Owen who made his mark for Liverpool and England in the early part of the 21st century. Prior to his win, the last British star to take home the Ballon d’Or was Kevin Keegan who won over twenty years before Michael Owen.
Speaking the day after his win, Harry Kane said ”It’s an incredible honour to receive the Ballon d’Or award…thank you to all the staff and my teammates at England and Bayern Munich, as well as family, friends and everyone who’s supported me – this wouldn’t be possible without you all.”
Harry Kane almost took England to their first World Cup final for almost seven decades this summer and he led them to a third place finish at the tournament in the US.
Prince William has spoken several times this week of the importance of role models and leadership in sport. In the last few days, he took part in a TV programme about Sir Kevin Sinfield, the rugby star, who has raised over £13 million for charities supporting those with MND after his friend and teammate, Rob Burrow, died with the condition.
