Harry Kane explains Ballon d’Or message after beating Mbappe and Yamal

Harry Kane has dismissed suggestions that a social media message posted after winning the Ballon d’Or was aimed at Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

The Bayern Munich striker finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Mbappe, who was runner-up, and Barcelona teenager Yamal, who placed third.

After the award ceremony, Kane wrote: “Work hard in silence, let success make the noise.” However, he said the words were not directed at either of his fellow nominees.

“It wasn’t for them at all,” Kane said. “It’s a quote I’ve loved throughout my career, honestly. It motivates me and reflects how I approach hard work, discipline and dedication. A lot of the time, I’ve had to train on my own.”

He added: “It’s a great quote, and I think plenty of boys and girls can read it and benefit from it too.”

Kane was speaking 48 hours after collecting the award, having met a large group of Bundesliga representatives. He had not played in Bayern’s 6-1 victory over Magdeburg in the cup.

“It’s been a busy week. Monday night was amazing,” he said. “I was extremely nervous, with completely different emotions from those I feel before a football match.”

“I kept trying to imagine how I would feel if I won. The support from my friends, family, fans and on social media was incredible. I received so many messages of congratulations.”

Kane celebrated with his closest friends before quickly returning to work, but said his wife and children, who are in London, will return on Friday. He is particularly looking forward to showing them the Ballon d’Or.

“I’ve spoken to them on a video call, but I can’t wait to see them and show them the trophy,” he said. “I know they’ll try to play with it, but it’s quite heavy, so I’ll make sure I protect it.”

Golden schnitzel tradition

A Bayern-supporting restaurant owner delivered four veal schnitzels to Villa Kitt after Kane’s triumph. They were decorated with edible gold leaf and a shiny gold spray.

“It’s a lovely tradition we have, every time I score a goal they give me schnitzel, and we’ll keep it going,” Kane said. “I didn’t eat it because I had my pre-match routine. It’s at home now, although someone else may have eaten it. It’s another prize for me.”

The England international also plans to buy gifts for his team-mates at Bayern Munich and with England as a thank-you.

Kane said he welcomed a return to training after the ceremony, although he had expected to be rested. “I could have played, but the manager had already been thinking about giving me a break before the Ballon d’Or ceremony,” he said.

“After Monday, it was important to have a rest, especially mentally. It felt as if six months had passed since the Freiburg match, even though it had only been three days.”

Kane is expected to return for Saturday’s meeting between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena. Both clubs lead the Bundesliga on 17 points.

“I’ll train tomorrow and be ready,” he said. “It’s our biggest Bundesliga match of the season. Hopefully we can finish the week perfectly with a win.”

Asked about the possibility of being knighted, Kane joked that he would remain simply “Harry”, saying it would feel strange if everyone started calling him “Sir”.