Watch: Harry Kane admits he is star-struck by Virat Kohli’s special Tweet after winning Ballon d’Or 2026

Harry Kane admitted feeling star-struck after receiving congratulatory messages from several famous sportspersons, including Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, following his Ballon d’Or 2026 victory.

The England captain won the prestigious award on October 26 after an outstanding season for club and country. During a press conference ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, Kane was asked which congratulatory message had left him most star-struck. Interestingly, he mentioned several well-known names, including Kohli.

Kane has also shown a keen interest in cricket over the years. He has been spotted playing the game with his teammates during training sessions and in his free time. His reaction to Kohli’s message reflects his admiration for the Indian cricketer and his love for the sport. 

Watch the viral moment here:

What Harry Kane said about Virat Kohli’s viral Tweet at the Bayern Munich press conference

Ahead of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League match, Harry Kane was asked which congratulatory message had left him most star-struck after winning the Ballon d’Or 2026. While answering the question, the England captain mentioned Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, who had congratulated him after his award win.

Kane said, "People like David Beckham, who is a big idol of mine. Tom Brady, Virat Kohli, you know, a lot of sports people I really admire." By mentioning Kohli, Kane showed his admiration for the Indian cricketer. The two have also shown mutual respect by congratulating each other on their respective achievements.

See also -"Play bold tonight": RCB wishes Harry Kane luck ahead of England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final

Notably, Kane finished at the top of the Ballon d’Or 2026 voting, with Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal finishing behind him. Yamal also won the Men's Young Talent Award for the third consecutive year. Rodri, who won the main award in 2024, finished fourth, while Lionel Messi, the record eight-time winner, came fifth.

“You deserve every bit of this award”: What Kohli wrote and how the Kane–Kohli bond began in 2016

Former India captain Virat Kohli was quick to congratulate Harry Kane after the England striker won the Ballon d’Or 2026. Sharing his happiness on X, Kohli wrote, "Harry, my friend, you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which you've carried yourself through all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you. God bless you and your family. They must all be very proud of you, as you would be of your own journey. My best wishes always. Congratulations."

The friendship between Kane and Kohli dates back to the 2016 T20 World Cup, when Kohli scored an unbeaten 82 off 51 balls against Australia to help India win by six wickets. Kane was impressed by the innings and praised the Indian batter on social media, calling him an exceptional player who performed consistently under pressure. Their bond grew stronger when the two sporting stars met at Lord's in London in May 2019, where they exchanged greetings and posed for photographs.

See also -“You deserve every bit of this award”: Virat Kohli pens heartfelt message for Harry Kane after Ballon d’Or 2026 triumph

Over the years, both have continued to show their admiration for each other. Kane has spoken about his special connection with India, thanked Indian fans for their support and revealed that he is a big IPL fan. He also played cricket with Kohli during the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, with the Indian batter later revealing that Kane was better at the game. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kane even made a humorous social media post offering himself to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise and England Cricket, further highlighting his love for cricket. Kohli's latest message is another example of the mutual respect and friendship they share.

England’s 25-year wait ends: Fans react and what the Ballon d’Or means for Kane next

Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or 2026 victory has sparked celebrations among football fans, especially in England. Supporters praised the striker for his hard work, consistency and outstanding performances for club and country. Many also highlighted his journey and the patience he showed before finally winning one of football’s biggest individual honours. Here is how the fans reacted on X: 

Kane’s achievement has also received praise from several sporting personalities, including Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. Their mutual admiration has attracted attention on social media, with fans appreciating the bond between the two sporting icons. Kohli’s congratulatory message and Kane’s reaction have further added to the celebrations surrounding the award.

Winning the Ballon d’Or is a major milestone in Kane’s career, but the England captain will now look to maintain his impressive form with Bayern Munich and the national team. The award adds to his achievements and raises expectations for his performances in the coming seasons. Fans will be eager to see what he achieves next as he continues his football journey.