Prince William Hails England Captain Harry Kane After Historic Ballon d'Or Win
Prince William took to Instagram to celebrate Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or victory.
The Waleses have always been passionate about sports, and Prince William in particular has frequently spoken about his immense love for soccer. That is what made the Prince and Princess of Wales’s recent Instagram story extra special. They made a point of congratulating celebrated English soccer star Harry Kane on officially winning the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or. Kane claimed the award following a record-breaking season, tallying 73 goals across 65 appearances, making him the first English player to win the prestigious trophy in 25 years.
Before the Bayern Munich striker, the honor was last awarded to soccer legend Michael Owen back in 2001. In his personal note to the star player, the Prince of Wales penned a heartfelt message that read, “Huge congratulations to Harry Kane on winning the Ballon d'Or. What a fantastic achievement and so deserved.” Highlighting Kane’s impact, the future King added, “A brilliant captain, a remarkable player, and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments!”
The special story was signed “W” by the Prince of Wales, making the tribute all the more personal. Alongside the message, William shared a celebratory graphic honoring Kane’s incredible achievement, which highlighted several memorable moments from the soccer star’s career, a heartwarming touch for his fans.
The tribute follows their recent collaboration for an important cause in September 2026, when Kane appeared in a short film supporting the Prince’s On Your Side suicide prevention initiative. Launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, Kane’s video was a central element of the campaign, which aims to help people across the sporting community spot warning signs and start essential conversations about mental health.
The collaboration highlighted their shared passions for soccer and mental health awareness while showcasing the genuine bond between Kane and the future king. It marked yet another moment where William’s love for sports took center stage. From meeting national teams ahead of major tournaments to passionately cheering on England during crucial matches, the Prince of Wales has long championed the power of athletics. Ultimately, his steadfast support reflects a firm belief in sports' ability to unite people, a spirit also on full display during his recent cricket match alongside professional players right outside Buckingham Palace.
