Harry Kane thanks Virat Kohli for special Ballon d’Or message

Harry Kane received congratulatory messages from some of the sport’s biggest names after winning the Ballon d’Or, but few messages were clear for the England striker. The Bayern Munich star singled out Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli among the people he was particularly pleased to hear after scooping football’s biggest individual honour.

Kane became the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the awardcapping off a remarkable season with Bayern Munich. He finished ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Lamin Yamal in the voting, the ceremony was held at the London Palladium on 26 October.

Kohli was quick to congratulate his friend after the announcement, he praised the England captain for his resilience, hard work and honesty throughout his career. The former Indian captain also sent his best wishes to Kane and his family.

“Harry my friend you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which you have carried yourself all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you. God bless you and your family,” Kohli wrote on X.

Kane was asked if any of the news he received had surprised him. Although he was reluctant to use that description, the Bayern forward made sure to include Kohli among the sporting greats who approached him.

“People like David Beckham, who was a big idol of mine, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli, a lot of athletes that I really admire. My good friend Ed Sheeran, who is also at the top of the music industry. I had many, many messages, all of which I was extremely grateful for,” Kane said.

KANE ANSWERS devastated

The England captain admitted that he was taken aback by the sheer number of reports. While he expected his family and friends to celebrate the success, the reaction from those outside his immediate circle made the occasion even more special.

“It’s okay to want it for yourself and your friends and family want it, but the outpouring of social media and people texting me who didn’t even have my number and wanted it just to get back to me was overwhelming,” he said.

Kane added that the news made him realize how much the success meant to people outside his circle. He also emphasized that he is grateful to everyone who took the time to congratulate him.

MUTUAL ADMIRATION OF KOHLA AND KANE

The bond between Kane and Kohli goes beyond a congratulatory exchange on social media. The two met for the first time in London in May 2019, where two athletes who have established themselves as leaders of their national teams and among the biggest names in world sport met.

Their careers have taken different paths, but both have built reputations for consistency, high standards and performance under pressure.

Kane’s last appearance for Bayern Munich was a mixed bag as he assisted Dayota Upamecano in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund on 31 October, but also missed a penalty and hit the post.

Meanwhile, Kohli will return to the international limelight as India begin their five-match ODI series against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, with the two sporting icons continuing to command attention in their respective arenas.

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