Downing Street has suggested Harry Kane deserves a knighthood, hailing the footballer’s “extraordinary achievement” as England’s first Ballon d’Or winner in 25 years.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said Andy Burnham had sent praise and congratulations to the England captain, who was announced as the male winner of football’s most prestigious individual award at a ceremony on Monday evening.
The number 10 said he hoped it would be the prelude to a trophy to celebrate with England “before too long” – hinting at England’s hopes of a victory when the country co-hosts the Euros in 2028 with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
The Bayern Munich player is the first Englishman to win the award since Michael Owen in 2001. “The Prime Minister would like to congratulate Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d’Or,” the spokesperson said. “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.
“Seventy years after Sir Stanley Matthews won the inaugural award, this caps a remarkable season and Harry continues to set a shining example for young players across the country, and the Prime Minister knows the whole nation will be incredibly proud of him. And, hopefully, there will be another trophy to celebrate with England before long.”
Asked if Burnham would like to see Kane receive a knighthood, she said: “I think everyone would agree, Harry Kane has given an enormous amount to English football, and this is a very special moment for him and for the country, but, as always, I’m not going to pre-empt the honors process.”
Kane received the award at a ceremony at the London Palladium on Monday evening, beating Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
He is the fifth English player to win the award, with the list also including Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Burnham cannot decide whether to grant Kane a knighthood, but ministers and departments can make recommendations to the honors committee, as can individuals. The sporting committee includes presenter Sue Barker and Football Foundation chief executive Robert Sullivan.
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Kane holds an MBE, awarded after England’s success in reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Often, players are only awarded a knighthood after retirement. Former England captain Sir David Beckham received his knighthood last year, as did former England player and manager Sir Gareth Southgate.
Before these awards, the most recent was Scottish player and Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish. Owen, also a former Liverpool player, did not receive a knighthood, nor did Keegan, the former Newcastle player and manager who was also England captain and manager.
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