Downing Street hints Harry Kane deserves knighthood after Ballon d’Or win
Downing Street has hinted that Harry Kane deserves a knighthood after he became the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or in 25 years, praising his "extraordinary achievement" at Monday's ceremony in London. The prime minister's spokesperson congratulated the England captain and Bayern Munich player, noting he is the first English winner since Michael Owen in 2001. Number 10 also expressed hope for an England trophy at the co-hosted Euros in 2028. Kane beat Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for the award, becoming the fifth English winner. He currently holds an MBE, and knighthoods are often awarded post-retirement, as seen with recent recipients Sir David Beckham and Sir Gareth Southgate.