Downing Street Signals Possible Knighthood for Harry Kane After Ballon d’Or Victory
A Downing Street spokesperson praised England captain Harry Kane's Ballon d’Or win and suggested a knighthood could be considered, while expressing hopes for future England success at the 2028 European Championship.
Downing Street indicated that England captain Harry Kane may be considered for a knighthood following his historic Ballon d’Or win, describing the achievement as "extraordinary" and the first by an English player in 25 years. The prime minister’s spokesperson said the award, presented at the London Palladium, highlighted Kane’s "brilliant example to young players across the country" and noted the nation’s pride in his success.
"The PM would like to congratulate Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or. To be the first Englishman to win it in 25 years is an extraordinary achievement, and what a moment to do it here at home," the spokesperson said.
The statement also referenced hopes that England could secure a major trophy before the 2028 European Championship, which the country will co-host with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. When asked if a knighthood was likely, the spokesperson replied that while many would agree Kane "has given an enormous amount to English football," the honours process could not be pre-empted.
Kane, who already holds an MBE for his role in England’s 2018 World Cup semi-final run, joins a select group of English Ballon d’Or winners that includes Michael Owen, Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Charlton. The honours committee, which can receive recommendations from ministers, departments and private individuals, includes sport figures such as presenter Sue Barker and Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan. Historically, knighthoods for footballers have often been awarded after retirement, with recent examples being Sir David Beckham and Sir Gareth Southgate.