Harry Kane Celebrates Ballon d'Or Win, Acknowledges Virat Kohli as a Sporting Icon

Harry Kane, after winning the Ballon d'Or, expressed his admiration for sports legends including Virat Kohli. His acknowledgment sparked a wave of praise from fans, highlighting Kohli's status as a global icon. As Kane celebrates his achievement, Kohli's influence in the sports world continues to resonate, showcasing the interconnectedness of athletes across different sports. This article delves into Kane's historic win and the heartfelt messages exchanged among these sporting greats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 23:50 IST

Kane's Historic Achievement

Harry Kane, the England and Bayern Munich forward, recently named former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli among the sports legends who left a lasting impression on him after securing the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

On October 26, Kane, who captained England to a bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was awarded this esteemed accolade, triumphing over competitors like Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

The 33-year-old had an extraordinary season, netting an impressive 73 goals in 65 matches for both Bayern Munich and the England national team. With this victory, Kane became the first English player to win the Ballon d'Or in 25 years, following Michael Owen's win in 2001.

Admiration for Fellow Athletes

During a press conference prior to Bayern Munich's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, Kane was asked about the congratulatory messages that impacted him the most after his award win.

He expressed immense gratitude for the messages he received from athletes he admires, including his childhood hero David Beckham, NFL star Tom Brady, and Kohli, along with his friend Ed Sheeran.

"I wouldn't say I was starstruck, but I felt incredibly thankful for the messages from people I look up to, like David Beckham, who has always been an idol for me, Tom Brady, and Virat Kohli," Kane remarked.

Kohli's Recognition and Fan Reactions

Following the announcement of Kane's award, Kohli took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to congratulate him, referring to Kane as 'my friend' and commending his dedication and perseverance in sports.

Kane's mention of Kohli alongside Beckham and Brady garnered significant praise from Indian cricket fans on social media, particularly on X, where many celebrated Kohli's status as a global sports icon.

Fans expressed their admiration for Kohli, with comments highlighting his recognition as a 'global superstar' and a 'global phenomenon,' emphasizing his impact beyond cricket.

Global Icon Status

Many fans also praised Kane for acknowledging Kohli, viewing it as a testament to the mutual respect between two sporting icons.

Kohli's name is often mentioned alongside other global sports legends like Ronaldo, Messi, and LeBron James, showcasing his widespread recognition.

As Kohli continues to be a part of the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, his influence in the sports world remains undeniable.