Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or, and his first thought afterwards was for his ill coach Vincent Kompany, according to De Telegraaf. The Dutch newspaper reports that Kane thanked Kompany during his acceptance, and NU quotes the striker saying he hopes the award gives his coach energy.
The ceremony took place in London, a detail Kane singled out as making the win "extra special," AD.nl reports. According to NOS, Kane took the men's prize at a ceremony that also saw Alexia Putellas honoured, on an evening the broadcaster framed as a Spanish celebration. AD.nl reports that Kane finished ahead of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
The result did not pass without comment. Sporza reports criticism suggesting the presentation was stage-managed, with coverage in the English and Spanish press pushing back on scrutiny of Kane — including the claim that he never begged for a trophy he had earned.
What the reports do not settle is Kompany's condition; De Telegraaf describes him only as ill, and no further medical detail has been given. Kane's remarks, as carried by NU, were framed as a message of support rather than an update on his coach's health.
Attention now turns to how Kane and his club carry the award into their next fixtures, and whether Kompany's situation becomes clearer in the weeks ahead.
