{
  "id": 17952095,
  "title": "Harry Kane names Virat Kohli among stars who congratulated him on Ballon d'Or win",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/harry-kane-names-virat-kohli-among-stars-who-congratulated-him-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T10:58:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/harry-kane-names-virat-kohli-among-stars-who-congratulated-him-on-ballon-dor-win-1.500734161"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Harry Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich striker, has disclosed that Indian cricket sensation Virat Kohli was among the renowned figures who congratulated him on his historic Ballon d'Or win. The Ballon d'Or triumph was awarded to Kane on October 26. On a recent press conference ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, Kane was asked about the congratulatory message that affected him the most. In response, he cited several esteemed names, including David Beckham, Tom Brady, Kohli, and Ed Sheeran.\n\nKane described David Beckham as a significant idol, while Tom Brady and Kohli were among the sporting personalities he greatly admired. He also acknowledged Ed Sheeran as a good friend. The Bayern Munich forward admitted that the unexpected response to his Ballon d'Or victory had taken him by surprise. He expressed gratitude for the messages he received, admitting that he had underestimated the extent of admiration from the sporting community.\n\nThe friendship between Kane and Kohli dates back ten years. In 2016, Kane praised Kohli's impressive unbeaten 82 against Australia during the T20 World Cup. They later met at Lord's in London in May 2019, and have maintained a cordial relationship by exchanging messages of appreciation. Following Kane's Ballon d'Or victory, Kohli congratulated his friend, praising his resilience, hard work, and honesty throughout his career. He also wished Kane's family, expressing that they must be proud of his remarkable journey. Kane made history as the first English footballer to win the Ballon d'Or since Michael Owen in 2001. The recognition and affection from fellow sporting stars, as Kane revealed, made the achievement even more special.",
  "summary": "Harry Kane has revealed that Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli was among the famous personalities who congratulated him after his historic Ballon d'Or triumph. The England captain, who won the prestigious award on October 26, was asked during a press conference ahead of Bayern Munich's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid which congratulatory message had left him most starstruck.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "10,000 sq ft, hanging pool and geometric interiors: Inside Virat Kohli’s Rs 80-crore Gurgaon bungalow",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/10-000-sq-ft-hanging-pool-and-geometric-interiors-inside-virat-kohlis",
        "published": "2026-11-03T14:30:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}