Kohli Congratulates Kane on Reported Ballon d’Or Win

Virat Kohli congratulated Harry Kane on X on October 27 after the England striker was reported to have won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, praising his resilience, hard work and honesty. Kohli addressed Kane as a friend and said he was happy for him and his family. The post followed the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 26. Reports said Kane received the award, ending a 25-year wait for an English winner. Michael Owen was the previous English recipient, in 2001. The reports described Kane’s win as the ceremony’s result, though they did not cite an underlying official record. Kohli’s message said Kane deserved the award for the way he had conducted himself throughout his years playing football at the highest level. He also offered his best wishes to Kane’s family. The post was reproduced in reports about the award, all of which point to the same X message rather than separate evidence of the post. Kane, who represents Bayern Munich at club level and captains England, was reported to have finished ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. One account placed Lionel Messi fifth. The ceremony took place at the London Palladium, according to a report that named the venue. A report also said Kane...