‘It feels like a dream’

LONDON, United Kingdom — Harry Kane said Tuesday that his Ballon d’Or triumph “feels like a dream” as tributes poured in for the first English winner of the award in a generation. The England and Bayern Munich forward fended off competition from Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe to be named the world’s best men’s footballer at the London Palladium theatre late on Monday. Wembley was lit up to recognise Kane’s achievement, with England’s X account carrying the message: “The home of the world’s best footballer. ” The former Tottenham forward is the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001. The 33-year-old struck a remarkable 73 goals in 65 games for club and country last season, propelling the German giants to a league and cup double.

The England captain, who also picked up the men’s striker of the year award, scored six times as his side finished third at the World Cup in North America. “It sounds crazy to be honest, but it sounds pretty good,” Kane told Sky Sports on Tuesday. “What a special night. An incredible feeling. I’m still just trying to take it all in really. It feels really, really like a dream. “The emotion [when his name was called] was relief, joy, happiness, excitement. There was so much waiting to find out the winner, and in that moment it was quite nerve-wracking, so to have that kind of release and to be able to share it with everyone there in that theatre was special. ” Prince William, patron of the Football Association, praised the England skipper. “What a fantastic achievement and so deserved,” he wrote on Instagram . “A brilliant captain, a remarkable player, and someone who has given football fans across the world so many unforgettable moments. ” England and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane reacts after receiving the Ballon…